| AKC Group: | Herding |
| A.K.A.: | Alsatian |
| Functions: | Police Dog, Guard Dog, Military Dog |
| Year of Origin: | 1899 |
| Country of Origin: | Germany |
| Life Span (yr): | 12 - 14 |
| Colors: | Black, Black and Tan, Sable |
| Height (Inch): | 22 - 26 |
| Weight (lb): | 75 - 85 |
| Size: | Large |
| Hair Length: | Medium |
| Energy: |  |
| Playfulness: | |
| Ease of Training: |  |
| Exercise Needed: | |
| Self Protection: | |
| Grooming: |  |
| Shedding: | |
| Watch Dog: | |
| Living Area: |  |
Appearance:
Nearly all Americans are familiar with the regal appearance of the German Shepherd Dog. He is powerful, agile, and comprised of lean muscles. Remarkably, the males are very masculine and the females are very feminine in their appearances. The eyes are shaped like almonds and are usually darkly colored. His ears are on top of his head and are slightly pointed. The orifice of the ear faces towards the front of his body, and occasionally tufts of hair jet out. The German Shepherd Dog has a thick outer coat that is rough to the touch; it can be straight, wavy, or wiry.
Temperament:
Lively and spirited, the German Shepherd Dog is one of the most loyal breeds of dogs. He loves children, although he should not be left unsupervised. He is brave and can be aggressive, but it is never unwarranted. For those people he does not know, he may appear aloof or reserved. He does not make friends with just anyone, but once he does include a person into his circle of trust, they are his friend for life. He is bright enough to remember poor treatment, and should always be treated with respect. The German Shepherd Dog has a high level of confidence and should never be unduly shy or timid.
Health:
Because he is such a popular breed of dog, the German Shepherd Dog has been overbred. This has led to some health conditions such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Both can be incredible painful and affect the mobility of the German Shepherd Dog. He is also prone to blood diseases, stomach ailments, epilepsy or seizures, and skin problems such as eczema and severe allergies to fleas. However, if the German Shepherd Dog is taken for routine visits to his veterinarian, many health problems can be controlled or all together avoided. In addition, he should receive the requisites vaccinations and blood work.
Maintenance:
Caring for the German Shepherd Dog is not too time-consuming. All he requires is a brief brushing each day. If his owner does not mind extra loose fur in the home, he can even be brushed less frequently. He does not need to be bathed too often. If he is, it can strip the essential oils that work to keep him warm and dry. If his skin becomes dried out, it could lead to eczema. The German Shepherd Dog enjoys any time of exercise and activity. Since he finds great joy in working, it is often great fun for him to combine a work or training activity with his daily exercise. At the very least he should be taken on a walk or a run each day. He also is happy to play with a ball or fetch a toy with his owner.