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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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