Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Grooming - Bathe your German Shepherd when necessary

Bathe your German Shepherd only when necessary or every 2 months. Use a high quality dog shampoo for dry skin. Ask your vet, breeder or pet store for breed-specific recommendations.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, December 14, 2009

Grooming - Remove any mats or tangles

Remove any mats or tangles in his undercoat with a metal rake. Matting is typically worse in their neck, chest and thigh areas.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Grooming - Brush your German Shepherd twice a week

Brush your German Shepherd twice a week to manage shedding. Use a natural bristle brush and pin brush to remove hair shedding from both the outer course coat and the woolly, dense undercoat.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Guard dog training - Dog training class

Sign your German Shepherd up for guard dog training classes with a qualified instructor who has experience training German Shepherds in this specialized discipline. This type of training will help teach your dog more about guarding and protecting. The training will help fill in any gaps. Professional training is also beneficial because your dog will see another person teaching her some of the same things you do. That will help reinforce the importance.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Guard dog training - Create rules in your home

Create rules in your home for your German Shepherd to teach her discipline. She will need this in order to be a good guard dog. German Shepherds respond well to this type of training and enjoy pleasing their owner. It shows that you expect her to behave. Some good house rules include no begging during meal times, staying off furniture (get a dog bed for your German Shepherd), no jumping on people, and sitting before playing with a toy.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Guard dog training - Obedience training

Train your German Shepherd to be a guard dog with obedience training. Your dog should understand that you are the master. Use a clicker to teach her the basic commands necessary: come, sit, stay, and down. See "How to Train Your Dog Yourself" in References to help you with obedience training.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Friday, December 4, 2009

Guard dog training - Begin training very early life

Begin training your German Shepherd to be a guard dog very early in her life. Starting at eight weeks old is best. Socialization should be the first part of training. This is where you introduce your German Shepherd to new people, places and things. This socialization training will help your dog learn to see what is a threat and what is not. You can do this by going for walks in different areas, taking her to different parks, bringing her along on car trips when you can, and allowing visitors to interact with her. If German Shepherds do not receive this training they could become dangerous to anyone.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Guard dog training - Stay safe with your German Shepherd guard dog

Stay safe with your German Shepherd guard dog. Call your homeowner's insurance company to make sure you are allowed to have a German Shepherd as a guard dog or even a pet. Check your local laws as well. Some will not allow trained guard dogs. You might need to get your German Shepherd special training to obey the law and/or your insurance company's rules.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Guard dog training - German Shepherds can make great guard dogs

German Shepherds can make great guard dogs due to their loyalty, intelligence, strength, and sense of protection. A German Shepherd will usually be happy with the job of protecting you and your family as a guard dog.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Training - Training a German Shepherd is well worth the time and effort

Training a German Shepherd is well worth the time and effort. German Shepherds are large breed dogs and need to learn how to respond to your basic commands.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Friday, October 16, 2009

Training - Socialize the puppy as much as you can

If you get your German Shepherd at a young age, socialize the puppy as much as you can. Bring them everywhere and expose the puppy to as many places as possible.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Training - Teach your German Shepherd by reinforcing behavior

Teach your German Shepherd by reinforcing behavior. Some great commands to teach your German Shepherd are "sit", "down," "stand," "stay," "heel" and "come."

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, October 12, 2009

Training - German Shepherds need exercise

German Shepherds need exercise. If your German Shepherd has too much pent up energy, he will be very difficult to train. Take your German Shepherd running, swimming, hiking. Let your German Shepherd play with other dogs.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Training - German Shepherd needs a strong leader

Dogs are pack animals. As the owner, you need to develop a leadership role. A German Shepherd needs a strong leader.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Training - The first step in training a German Shepherd is to develop a strong bond with the dog

The first step in training a German Shepherd is to develop a strong bond with the dog. Developing a bond is done by walking, playing, feeding and spending time with the dog. The better the bond, the better the training will go.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Dog care - Some serious training starting when he was young.

To properly take care of a German shepherd dog means some serious training starting when he was young. This breed is highly intelligent and trainable but has some serious muscles that can be used on the wrong person or object when training is not done. Socializing is just as important because the German shepherd dog is by nature on its guard with strangers. It needs to know that not everyone is bad.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Dog care - German shepherd shed heavily

Although German shepherds have very short coat, they shed heavily. It is important for those that are allergic to animal fur to avoid this breed because the shedding is so heavy that your home will be covered in dog hair everyday. Overall, grooming is not very challenging.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Friday, October 2, 2009

Dog care - The German shepherd is also a dog that is prone to bloat

The German shepherd is also a dog that is prone to bloat. This can happen to large breeds that are fed only one large meal a day and drink plenty of water afterward. Then they exercise vigorously either by running or playing with family. You must avoid this situation by not letting the dog exercise too much before and after his meal. After each exercise sessions, withheld water for at least 15 minutes.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Dog care - A lot of German shepherds have hip problems and weak bones

A lot of German shepherds have hip problems and weak bones. When it is a puppy, be sure to not let him play extensively on hard pavements to avoid damaging his young bones. It is also important to choose food that is especially made for large dog puppies because those are formulated for the bones. If you still have concerns about his bones, you can supplement his food with calcium.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Owner guide - What is the reason that people give up their German Shepherd?

The No. 1 reason people give up their German shepherds is because this breed sheds too much. The No. 2 reason is that the dog got bigger than expected.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, September 21, 2009

Owner guide - Get a portable vacuum

Get a portable vacuum if you plan to keep your German shepherd inside. They shed constantly.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Owner guide - Keep your German shepherds indoors or out

Keep your German shepherds indoors or out. Remember that they 'll be much happier indoors with the family, since these dogs prefer to be with their pack.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Owner guide - You must be consistent and firm while training German shepherd

Remember that German shepherds are eager to please and very intelligent. You must be consistent and firm while training German shepherd.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Owner guide - Trim your Geman Shepherd's nails

Make sure to trim your German Shepherd's nails regularly - every two weeks - to prevent foot problems.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Owner guide - Bathe the dog infrequently

Bathe the dog infrequently; German Shepherds don't require special grooming and can be washed at home.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Friday, September 11, 2009

Owner guide - Brush your German shepherd daily if possible

Brush your German shepherd daily if possible. This breed sheds year-round and heavily twice a year when the undercoat comes out.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Owner guide - Learn about health problems

Learn what health problems are associated with German Shepherd : Von Willebrand's disease (a blood disorder), glaucoma, torsion (stomach bloat, a very serious emergency), cataracts, calcium gout, chronic pancreatitis, hip and elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, hemophilia, slipped discs and retinal atrophy.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, September 7, 2009

Owner guide - Keep your German shepherd's weight down

Keep your German Shepherd's weight down. Overweight dogs will have more health problems, including heart trouble and arthritis.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, August 31, 2009

DOG FAQ - Does a German Shepherd have a good memory?

Yes, most of German Shepherd are typically known to have good long-term memories.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, August 29, 2009

DOG FAQ - Why do German shepherds vomit?

All dog's vomit sometimes, just like people do. A dog can vomit for a number of reasons like eating something bad or upset tummy.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Thursday, August 27, 2009

DOG FAQ - How hard is a German Shepherds bite?

A German shepherd's bite forced was measured at 238 psi pounds of pressure: +3 more than a pit bull's bite at 235!

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

DOG FAQ - When is a German Shepherd fully grown?

A German shepherd is usually full grown at around two years. Depending upon its parents, it could be anywhere from 75 to 125 pounds.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, August 23, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do German Shepherds like to swim?

German Shepherd's make great swimmers, but you need to get them used to the water when they're puppies.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Friday, August 21, 2009

DOG FAQ - How much does an untrained German Shepherd dog cost?

Untrained German Shepherd puppies can range in price from $500 - $1000, depending on the breeder.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

DOG FAQ - Why are German shepherds prone to hip problems?

Hip dysphasia is common in German Shepherds & its a genetic condition so it can be passed on to litters. Its common in big dogs.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, August 17, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do German shepherd puppies bark a lot?

German Shepherds don't bark more than any breed of dog would. Though some dogs just have a barking personality!

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, August 15, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the average monthly cost of owning German shepherd?

An average monthly expense of German Shepherd can run from 100 to several hundred dollars a month depending on the owner and how they treat their dog.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, August 10, 2009

DOG FAQ - Why are police dogs only German shepherds?

German Shepherds have long been valued for their strength & intelligence and they're also easily trained & very loyal & obedient.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, August 8, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the degree Fahrenheit temperature measure of a German shepherd dog?

The average temperature of a healthy German Shepherd dog is 101 degrees F.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Thursday, August 6, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the average weight of a German shepherd dog?

The average weight of a German Shepherd dog is 77-85 pounds (35-40kg.)

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

DOG FAQ - How do I stop my puppy from going to the toilet in the house?

Your German Shepherd puppy will toilet in the house if it is not given the opportunity to toilet outside. He/she will want to toilet straight after waking from a sleep and after having a meal. These times are a good time to start training your puppy that outside is a good place to toilet, just by simply taking them outside to where you want them to toilet and praising them when they have done the job will enforce the idea that the toilet is outside.

Your German Shepherd puppy will then start whining at the door when they need to go and any mistakes are normally because we have ignored their plea for a toilet break. Remember, plenty of praise when the puppy does toilet outside in the chosen place and the puppy will be happy to return to that spot. After all the German Shepherd puppy would rather please you than be chastised by you.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, August 2, 2009

DOG FAQ - Are German Shepherd smart and easy to train?

Yes and no to both. Most German Shepherds are eager and willing to learn and enjoy training sessions (don't overdo training with a young puppy - they just don't have the attention span). If you start young and teach your puppy its order in your "pack", problems with training will be minimized. However, German Shepherds tend to have more dominant personalities than some breeds and can be stubborn, so some care in training is recommended.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, July 25, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do German Shepherds shed their coat a lot?

Yes. The German Shepherd is a "double-coated" dog with an undercoat and guard hairs. The guard hairs will be shed all year. The undercoat is "blown" twice a year. A bitch will shed her coat prior to coming into season and will normally be in full coat just prior to being ready for mating.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Thursday, July 23, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd?

Most lines of German Shepherds will live to between 10-13 years of age. 11-12 years is probably a very reasonable expectation (with the advent of higher quality foods our dogs are tending to live a longer and healthier life). A German Shepherd becomes "middle-aged" between 5-7 years old, and is generally considered "geriatric" at about 10.

Most lines of German Shepherds will live to between 10-13 years of age. 11-12 years is probably a very reasonable expectation (with the advent of higher quality foods our dogs are tending to live a longer and healthier life). A German Shepherd becomes "middle-aged" between 5-7 years old, and is generally considered "geriatric" at about 10.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, July 20, 2009

DOG FAQ - How often should I feed my puppy and how much?

Your breeder should provide you with a feeding chart of what your German Shepherd puppy has been fed and the frequency, foods recommended and not recommended for your puppy, how often you should feed your puppy and at what age to change the feeding times.

Remember that it is only a recommendation and can be varied according to how your puppy is growing. If your puppy looks like it is getting a little fat reduce the amount, if your puppy is looking a little lean increase the amount. Remember an overweight puppy can eventually have skeletal problems as the weight puts a great strain on growing bones.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, July 18, 2009

DOG FAQ - When should I switch my German Shepherd puppy to adult food?

Individual puppies will vary. You probably are best off discussing your puppy's growth and needs with both your vet and your breeder (your breeder should provide you with an appropriate feeding and diet sheet for your puppy). Many breeders and dog food manufacturers advise switching to a high quality adult food at four to six months of age.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Thursday, July 16, 2009

DOG FAQ - Should I get a male or female?

Some people will say that males are more "location" protective while females are more "pack" protective. Males are generally more territorial, so unless training steps are consistent, territory marking could be a problem. Neutering may help alleviate this problem.

Any dog or bitch not intended for a breeding program should be neutered or spayed. Besides eliminating the possibility of unwanted puppies and reducing some undesirable behaviors, it's considerably healthier for your dog since it eliminates or severely reduces the chance of testicular or mammary cancers.

A dog is virtually in season all the time and a bitch will come into season approximately twice a year. Breeding should *never* be taken lightly. The decision on whether you get a male or a female is solely up to you, but your breeder may help you in your decision.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

DOG FAQ - What traits are inherent in German Shepherd's?

German Shepherds are natural working (herding) dogs. Your German Shepherd will try to round you and your family up. Often they will lead ahead, walking in front of you and looking back to make sure you're going where you should. The breed is naturally loyal, intelligent and protective, has a very good nose and has a very calm and steady temperament when well bred. All of these traits make them excellent for police work, tracking and search work, rescue work and seeing eye dogs. They are also being used as assistance dogs for they disabled. A German Shepherd thrives on , mental stimulation (obedience training), regular exercise (at least one walk per day) and a well-balanced diet.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, July 12, 2009

DOG FAQ - Do German Shepherd’s make good pets?

Absolutely, German Shepherds can make excellent family pets if they are accepted as part of the family, but any dog just left in a backyard to fend for itself will become a socially unacceptable nuisance. They are naturally protective of their "pack". Young children should never be left unattended with a puppy or an adult dog, however, if the children learn to respect the puppy as a living being, the puppy will be a wonderful companion for the children as they all grow up together. Your dog's ranking in the "pack" should always be established as the bottom (Omega) member below all family members and all other humans.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Friday, July 10, 2009

DOG FAQ - Will spaying or neutering change my German Shepherd's temperament?

One of the best things you can do for your German Shepherd is to spay or neuter. The basic disposition of your dog will not be changed by removing his or her reproductive capability and will not, in itself, make your dog obese or lazy.

Having a litter is not, in any way, beneficial to a bitch and can occasionally lead to problems, even death. It is a medical fact that spayed bitches are more healthy and live longer than unspayed bitches. Neutered males cannot develop testicular cancer. Neutering a male will remove his psychological need to mate and he will be more tolerant of other male dogs.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

DOG FAQ - How much training does a German Shepherd need?

Basic obedience training is an essential part of responsible German Shepherd ownership. It will make your German Shepherd a better companion and will help establish a stronger bond between the two of you. A German Shepherd Dog is a natural guard dog and does not need training for this. Protection training is very dangerous in an unstructured environment and should be avoided without obtaining the advice of a very good qualified trainer.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, July 6, 2009

DOG FAQ - What is "socializing" and why is it so important?

Socializing refers to exposing your German Shepherd puppy to a variety of experiences, including meeting lots of people of various ages, races, sizes and both sexes as well as teaching them how to acceptably interact with other dogs. Puppy kindergarten classes provide an excellent opportunity for socialization in a controlled environment. Socializing is important because it helps strengthen your dog's confidence and reduces the chance that your German Shepherd will become shy or fearful. Fearful dogs can become fear aggressive or fear biters. If your puppy is scared by something do not force your puppy to accept it, gently show the puppy that it is not dangerous.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Friday, July 3, 2009

DOG FAQ - What can I do to get my German Shepherd puppy off to a good start?

One very important thing to produce a well rounded sound adult German Shepherd. That is socialization, this should not be taken lightly. As your German Shepherd puppy grows all efforts must be made to take your new puppy to different places where your puppy can meet people of all ages and be exposed to other dogs, small and large. He/She needs to learn different noises, this is something that needs to be done everyday. This is part of raising a puppy, any puppy. Committing to this exposure and socialization will dramatically impact his/her future life as an adult dog.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

DOG FAQ - What do I need to do to prepare for bringing my new puppy home?

Prepare a place for German Shepherd puppy own, bedding that the puppy can call their own. Each puppy will be sent home with a blanket they have been sleeping with to help him/her adjust to their new home. Purchase safe toys for your German Shepherd puppy to keep them busy, and keep their mind stimulated. A premium dog food has been fed to your puppy we recommend the same be continued throughout his/her life time. Eukanuba , Iams, ProPlan. There are more expensive natural based dogs foods that are available these are also a consideration.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, June 28, 2009

DOG FAQ - When can my new German Shepherd puppy come home with me?

Usually German Shepherd puppies leave breeder between 7 and 8 weeks old, after they’ve been wormed, and have received all necessary vaccinations according to their age.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover




Saturday, June 27, 2009

PUPPY SELECTION

Puppy Selection : Remember a good litter is a result of a right combination of genes. If the breeder has good bloodlines, it doesn’t mean he will produce a goods litter, because the best beach can produce the worst puppies, if not mated to the right kind of male. If you are not good at determining blood lines, you need to bank on an experienced person.


General Criterion like other health issues are to be considered before picking up the puppy. Make sure, the puppies do not have skin rashes, ears free from matter, and they are energetic. The eyes should be clear. Avoid the puppy that has a running eyes or ears.

See the movement, while choosing German Shepherd puppy. Movement of a healthy German Shepherd puppy should be effortless and the puppies should be playful. Avoid picking the one who stays away from other litter mates.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Thursday, June 25, 2009

GERMAN SHEPHERD AND CHILDREN

German Shepherds can make good indoor dogs. Their keen intelligence makes them fairly easy to house train. German Shepherds may not work well inside a home that has small children; these dogs naturally get along with all children, but young children can sometimes become rowdy and loud, which could upset the dog. While the German Shepherd is not a demanding dog, they do adore their human family and ache for human interaction.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Friday, June 19, 2009

TRAINING

The biggest “secret” to training your German Shepard is consistency. From the moment you get your new German Shepard puppy you must start his or her training. You have to maintain consistency in your dog’s training or else you will end up with an unruly, aggressive, and unmanageable dog who could hurt someone. If you do not have the time, self-discipline, or desire to train your German Shepard then do not get one of these dogs. Instead opt for another smaller breed of dog.

Always remember that your German Shepherd needs an “Alpha dog” to give him or her the firm and consistent leadership required to keep your dog and your family happy and running smoothly. Dogs of any breed are at their happiest when this occurs. However, because German Shepherds are wired to have that dominant personality, you will want to be aware of times when he, or she, may try to test his or her boundaries. This is common during training.

Your dog may decide to misbehave or ignore commands that he or she has already learned just to test your resolve. This is normal and the best way to deal with these moments is to stiffen your resolve and remain consistent with the training to maintain your dominance. If you have children, get them involved in the dog’s training to make sure your dog understands that he or she is the “omega dog” and must also obey your children.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

FEEDING

Recommended feeding for the German Shepherd is 1 ½ – 2 ½ cans (13.3oz) of high-quality meaty product with biscuit added in equal part or 5 cupfuls of a complete, dry dog food,divided into two meals.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, June 14, 2009

HEALTH INFORMATION

Most of German Shepherds have serious health problem from hip and elbow, to bone diseases and cancer, to stomach disorders and skin diseases, German Shepherds are one of the riskiest of all breeds in the health department.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

TEMPERAMENT

The temperament of the German Shepherd Dog is one of self-confidence and nobility. Although a mature German Shepherd will not wear his heart on his sleeve, he should be approachable and outgoing. Strangers may be regarded with some suspicion, but the dog should be neither overly sharp and aggressive nor cringe with fear.

A sound German Shepherd makes an excellent companion. An unsound one is a disaster waiting to happen. Because of a desire to have a family protector, many GSD puppy buyers think they need a very dominant, aggressive dog -- an unwise choice for a family. Sound GSDs are naturally protective of their homes and families.

Puppies will begin to show some awareness of "their" people and "their" space at about five or six months of age and will display a desire to warn of approaching strangers. An alert dog and a few warning barks is all the protection most families require.

For those who have a true need for more serious protection, a sound, balanced dog is still the best choice. Such a dog can be trained in formal personal protection by a competent instructor. An overly aggressive or unsound dog should not be trained in protection, for it will be a danger and cannot be trusted. Anyone planning to acquire a personal protection dog should choose the dog and the trainer carefully, for a poor dog or a poor trainers can court disaster
.


German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Sunday, June 7, 2009

GROOMING

German Shepherd care does not require a whole lot of bathing but regular brushing is essential and with a good diet one should be able to see the nobleness and intelligence in the demeanor of the dog. The coat would shine if given a proper diet and also prevents it from contracting skin problems.


The German Shepherd grooming profile is that it requires moderate grooming which should be continued for eight to twelve weeks and maintained fortnightly. One would expect a well groomed German Shepherd to look and feel happy and for the purpose of grooming one would require tools and blades such as slicker brushes, pin brushes, natural bristle brushes, shedding blades, metal rakes, metal combs as well as a pair of scissors. Grooming Tips and Use of Tools

For German Shepherd grooming, one would need to regularly brush and comb the dog twice a week so that the double coat is well managed. One should remove wooly hairs from the undercoat as well as the outer coarse guard coat. Mostly, the German Shepherd is known to shed all year round and for this one may use shedding blades during the German Shepherd shedding season.

Using the shedding blade requires being trained in its proper use and another tool one can use is the metal rakes that can be used to take out the matted undercoat that is commonly found in the neck, chest and thigh areas. After bathing the German Shepherd, one may use a modern high velocity dryer to take away the excess water and slicker brushes are very good for this breed for hand fluff drying. One should remember to brush in the direction of the hair growth. Hair Cuts
one may also want to give groom the German Shepherd by giving him a hair cut and for this one may use a pair of scissors to cut away long hairs such as those found under the feet as well as other stray hairs around the feet. However, the German Shepherd must not be clipped for cosmetic looks since it may lead to serious faults. Instead, to make it look fluffier or fuller of coat, one may brush the hair in the opposite direction to its hair growth and follow it with light brushing in the direction of the hair growth.

In case one does want to give the German Shepherd a hair cut one can use thinning shears to make its overall appearance look neater. Also, selective thinning may help in making the German Shepherd look heavier boned. Remember to cut the nails on the feet of the German Shepherd regularly. The toenails, ears as well as teeth need your attention and one should check the nails every week while brushing and thus help avert it getting split or broken nails that may be left unattended and grow too long.

One may also groom the German Shepherd by cleaning the ear wax every week and an ear solution would do well for this purpose. Check the teeth of the German Shepherd every month as well as when it goes for its check up at the vet’s. Hard cookies may be a good idea to keep the teeth and gums in optimum health. Once the owner understands the importance of grooming, he would also need to know what you need to groom your German Shepherd.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Thursday, May 21, 2009

COAT AND COLOUR

German Shepherds can be a variety of colours, the most common of which are the tan/black and red/black varieties. Both varieties have black masks and saddles. Rarer variations include the sable, all-black, all-white, liver and blue varieties. The all-black variety is acceptable; however, the blue and liver are considered to be serious faults and the all-white is grounds for instant disqualification in some standards. This is because the white coat is more visible, making the dog a poor guard dog, and harder to see in conditions such as snow or when herding sheep.

German Shepherds sport a double coat. The outer coat, which is shed all year round, is close and dense with a thick undercoat. The coat is accepted in two variants; medium and long. The long-hair gene is recessive, making the long-hair variety rarer. Treatment of the long-hair variation differs across standards; they are accepted under the German and UK Kennel Clubs but are considered a fault in the American Kennel Club.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Monday, May 18, 2009

GENERAL APPEARANCE

The physical appearance of the German Shepherd is a lot like that of a wolf and generally it is very agile as well as athletic and awake. The characteristics of its physical appearance are generally perceived as its having a strong muscular structure that makes it an agile as well as vivacious and strong animal that according to standards measures between 20 and 26 inches at the shoulder. For females, however, the dimensions are a bit smaller. The coat of the German Shepherd is dense and has more hair on the neck and on the back of the legs than on the rest of their body.

The chest of the German Shepherd is deep and not at all cumbersome and the capacious chest has plenty of space to hold its lungs and heart. A well sprung ribcage allows it to move quickly and unhindered and this is very evident when one observes it trotting. The loin of the German Shepherd is not big and is contained tucked up beneath a flat and firm stomach. The physical appearance of the German Shepherd is imposing and consists
of long shoulder blades and a well formed back with the front legs being straight and strong.

An especially impressive feature of the physical appearance of the German Shepherd is that it has a very noble head that is not coarse and is very finely chiseled and has a strong muzzle with tightly fitted lips. The German Shepherd, thanks to its strong muzzle, is capable of being trained to use its mouth as more than just a weapon and can learn to open doors or even carry objects. It has 42 teeth in all, 22 on the upper side and 20 below.


The German Shepherd has a very keen and intelligent pair of eyes that are medium-sized and are set obliquely that help to show off its intelligence. As for its ears, the German Shepherd does not have very big sized ears and they are tapered slightly. They are usually erect except when the animal is moving quickly or resting or sleeping, when they become flat. If the German Shepherd dog does not have noticeably keen and pricked ears, it is a sign of a defective gene.

If the color of the German Shepherd happens to be black, one can be sure that it is an exceptionally intelligent dog. A white German Shepherd is very sought after and this type of dog is characterized by being a family loving animal and is considered to be an ideal pet dog. So, when one sees the difference in the physical appearance of the German Shepherd one may also be able to associate them with different characteristics as well as uses. Of course, one cannot judge a book by its cover and there is more to it than meets the eye and for this one may have to delve into the personality of the German Shepherd and find out exactly how it appears and whether this appearance is in accord with the personality of the German Shepherd.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

Saturday, May 16, 2009

START TO KNOW

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD, also known as an Alsatian), (German: Deutscher Schäferhund) is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany.German Shepherds are a relatively new breed of dog, whose origins date to 1899. As part of the Herding group, the German Shepherd is a working dog developed originally for herding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles, in forces around the world. Due to their loyal and protective nature the German Shepherd is one of the most registered of breeds.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to my German Shepherd dog blog. Here you will learn about German Shepherd health care, any tips and you can find good experiences from many people who love German Shepherd.

German Shepherd - Dog Lover