The German Shepherd is known by everyone , he belongs to our culture also thanks to his presence in television series that emphasize his great intelligence and instinct. Who has never seen Commissioner Rex, or, who has more years on his shoulders, the legendary Rin Tin Tin.

It is an agile, obedient, faithful, affectionate, guard and defense dog with a great sense of smell, so much so that he is one of the breeds most used by the police.

• Origins
• Morphology
• Psychology
• Treatment

Origins of the German Shepherd

The name itself indicates the origin of this breed. In Germany, at the end of the 19th century, space was given to the selection of this dog with crosses of various herd specimens .

In the UK the German Shepherd is referred to as Alsatian , to protect the breed from possible repercussions of post-war anti-German movements. In the United States it arrives after the First World War with the return of the militias. During the Second World War it was used as a military dog. His intelligence allowed him to be used for various purposes: police dog, guide dog, search dog.

Morphology of the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a medium-sized dog , it can weigh up to 40 kg and a height at the withers up to 65 cm. The shape is slightly elongated, the structure very muscular, but with a lean, slender morphology.

The head is cone-shaped , the ears are erect and the eyes are small but intense and expressive. The tail is covered with medium length hair and is carried curved. The forelegs are straight with rounded legs.

There are two variants of the German Shepherd :

1. Long-haired , langstockhaar;
2. Short- haired , stockhaar.

The coat includes one -color, two-tone, with double coat and the colors allowed by the standard are black, black with brown markings, silver. A small white spot on the chest is allowed .

Psychology and character of the German Shepherd

The German Shepherd has a balanced, calm and confident character. It is a very attentive dog with great concentration skills. It is advisable to undergo training in order to develop his full potential to the maximum.

It is a very intelligent breed, faithful to its family, docile and affectionate , extremely suitable for growing and interacting with children. The German Shepherd is a guard dog, capable of protecting and defending its environment. From an early age it is important to develop socialization with other animals.

It is an outdoor dog, it lives well outdoors without constraints in confined spaces such as an apartment. It does not fear harsh climates and tolerates hot temperatures.

German Shepherd Care

Like other dogs it needs to be brushed, especially if it has long hair, at least once a week , but it is easy to manage. It needs to be able to move freely, run, jump.

Its diet must be well balanced and differentiated in summer and winter.
The German Shepherd is subject to some typical pathologies of the breed such as hip and elbow dysplasia , and possible degeneration of the spinal column.