German Shepherd Breed Fact Sheet

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German Shepherd Dog Breed Information

Original Function: sheep herding, guarding, police dog

Temperament: Loyal, Obedient, Intelligent, must be of well balanced temperament, steady of nerve & self assured.

Characteristics: must have courage, combative instinct and hardness, in order to be suitable as companion, watch, protection, service and herding dog.

Recommended for: Responsible handlers/families.

Lifespan: 10 - 12 yrs some longer

 

Height: Dogs: 60-65 cm (23½ - 25½ ins)

Height: Bitches: 55-60 cm (21½ - 23½ ins)

Colour: black, ash and iron gray with brown, yellow or light brown markings. Black is the most common major coat colour. White GSDs do occur but are not accepted in the show ring.

Coat: Straight dense & harsh. Soft undercoat.

General Appearance: Large sized, slightly elongated, powerful and well muscled long body and the overall structure firm. Dark almond shaped eyes. Ears are erect. Tail long and bushy.

The German Shepherd originated in Germany, they were breed for herding and guarding of the livestock. Today they are used for police, rescue, tracking and military work. They are one of the most popular breeds in the world.
They are a very intelligent dog that needs good training from an early age and needs to well socialized with both other dogs and people. They are a very loyal family member that love to be around you. They are always eager to please and do well at obedience and agility trialing.

Grooming- Grooming should also be regularly, with a vigourous brushing to remove any dead or loose hairs. If it is a longhaired GSD, combing will also be necessary. No trimming is required and bathing should only be done as needed. This is a shedding dog but the more you groom it, the less it will shed.

Exercise- they are very much a working dog and like to be active, regular walks and runs are needed. The young pup should be exercised with some discretion to avoid long-term damage to still soft and forming joints. As the dog ages, it will require longer walks but must first have the solid bone structure established.

Health- This breed is generally sound but some can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia so it is recommended to seek out a reputable breeder who is willing to show you proof of scores. Remember the LOWER the score the better! Also some may suffer with bloat, epilepsy, heart defects and eye problems.
For Diet and other general dog health information Health/Nutrition

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Other information on this breed

Websites:

http://www.allgsd.com/ - Good information & photos
Everything about the German Shepherd Dog

Clubs:

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
http://www.gsdcouncilaustralia.org/

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF VICTORIA
www.gsdcv.org.au

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB of Qld (Inc)
http://www.gsdcqld.org.au

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF THE NT
Margaret Adams or Mary Ryng
PO Box 36751
Winnellie NT 0821
Ph: 08-89886956 (Margaret)
Ph 08 89 881232 (Mary )
Email:zentamar@bigpond.com
Email:jedaring@bigpond.com

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG LEAGUE OF NSW
http://www.gsdl.info/

ACT GSD ASSOCIATION
http://www.actgsda.org/

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG ASSOCIATION OF WA (Inc)
http://www.gsdawa.org/

GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG CLUB OF SA
http://www.gsdcsa.org.au/