BACKGROUND
The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively new breed of dog; it did not exist prior to 1899. The original desire by the founder of the breed Captain Max von Stephanitz to breed working dogs that are truly utilitarian in their ability to work. Coupled with sound body and a trusted and loyal temperament that makes the breed an ideal companion is still a priority by many breeders today.
AVERAGE LIFESPAN
10 years
AVERAGE SIZE AND WEIGHT
Males: 60cm to 65cm tall and 35-42 kg Females: 55cm to 60 cm tall and 25-32kg
BREED PERSONALITY /CHARACTER/ TEMPERAMENT
The German Shepherd Dog is known throughout the world for his loyalty, trustworthiness and multiple utilization. As a working dog he is able to act as a guardian, herder, tracker, guide and most importantly as a trusted companion. He is in every sense a most capable working dog and loyal companion. The German Shepherd Dog should never be nervous, over aggressive or shy.
COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS
With proper introduction and discipline, German Shepherd Dogs do get on with other pets. The secret is early socialisation. It in most important that puppies be exposed to new experiences from as early as 8weeks old.
CARE REQUIREMENTS.
The German Shepherd Dog does require attention, the Breed is active and does require some mental stimulation, so a daily walk coupled with some thinking exercise be it obedience exercises or a simple ‘fetch the ball’ routine will greatly enhance your dogs quality of life. Grooming on a weekly basis will suffice however worming every three months should be undertaken with a reputable brand of worming tablets. Upon completion of the initial series of vaccinations annual boosters must also be given.
PLEASE TAKE NOTE.
The Australian National Kennel Council does recognise Breed Improvement Schemes as initiated by the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia and the Australian Veterinary Association. Potential purchasers of the German Shepherd Dog should ensure that both Sire and Dam of their puppy have been accredited with an "A" Stamp for being screened for Hip Dysplasia. The German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia has in place Breed Improvement Schemes that also screen the breed for Haemophilia in male dogs and Elbow Dysplasia. Breeders are also able to identify their puppies by participating in the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia Tattoo scheme. Some Breeders are also implanting microchips in their puppies. Both identification methods are able to reunite you with your dog if it is lost and then found!
IDEAL OWNERS
The ideal owners of German Shepherd Dogs are people who are able to be assertive and are also be able to give and command respect from their dog. These people are usually very active and enjoy the company of their dog without making a fuss or expecting lap dog behaviour. The ideal owner will treat this breed firstly as a dog, any elevation to human like status can and will cause behavioral problems. It is important to keep the human - dog status in place. The beauty of the breed is its ability to initially greet you with gusto on your return home and then is able to act with independence around you until summoned. The ideal owner will also join the German Shepherd Dog Club of Victoria Inc. or an Obedience Training Club where weekly lessons coupled with daily exercise will greatly enhance the owners ability to understand and train the dog to a level of acceptable behaviour.
The German Shepherd Dog if initially bred and reared by the breeders in a correct manner will provide the purchasers with pure bred puppy that will have a sound base that can be further developed and enhanced by the new owner. Socialisation in the 8 to 16 week period of a puppy’s life together with some form of Obedience training will produce a well-adjusted companion. In purchasing a puppy please seek advice prior to purchasing, do not impulse buy. It is important to be prepared to view more than one litter when making a purchase, talk to the Breeder, this process allows you to make an informed decision regarding the purchase of a puppy that may be with you for over 10 years.
IN CONCLUSION
Now you know a little about the German Shepherd Dog and have decided this is the dog for you contact the breed club or your state controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies, suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the breed and its needs.
