Monday, December 19, 2011
Overall
Overall, the GSD in general is the very nice and good family dog to have and you should adopt a puppy as soon as possible! Bye-Bye Now!
Ideal Environment
The German Shepherd is content to live in a small household or apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. They are a comparatively inactive breed indoors, and they are happiest with at least a large-sized yard. German Shepherds enjoy strenuous activity, and they need plenty of exercise on a daily basis.
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They should be walked for at least one to two hours a day.
Maintenance
The German Shepherd sheds lightly throughout the year and heavily during shedding season. The breed’s coat should be brushed daily in order to remove dead and loose hair. To avoid the depletion of natural skin oils, the German Shepherd should only be bathed once or twice per year.
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Including raw meat and bone in their diet helps reduce shedding drastically. Otherwise they are known to be heavy shedders and frequent brushing will be required.
History
The German Shepherd was developed through crosses of long-haired, short-haired, and wire-haired shepherd dogs from Wurttemberg, Thuringia, and Bavaria. In April of 1899, a dedicated breeder by the name of Captain Max von Stephanitz registered the first Deutsche Schaferhunde, or German Shepherd Dog. The short-haired variety of German Shepherd was first show in Berlin in 1889.
General Health
Like many other large dog breeds, the German Shepherd is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia. Potential owners of this breed should ensure that both parents have had their hips certified. Other health concerns include blood disorders, digestive problems, keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), dwarfism, chronic eczema, and flea allergies. The German Shepherd typically lives for about 13 years.
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Bloat is considered a major threat to German Shepherds. They should never be allowed to take in large amounts of food and water in one sitting. Most owners choose to feed their dogs four small meals a day. Its also advised to not let them exercise for at least an hour after they eat. If they show signs of bloat, take them to the vet immediately. Bloat is deadly within hours. They are also prone to spinal degenerative myelopathy and may have kidney problems. The average lifespan is 13 years although some can live as long as 16 years.
German Shepherd Dogs also are one of the breeds prone to Degenerative Myelopathy. This disorder causes gradual weakening of the rear legs, ultimately resulting in complete loss of function. There is no treatment for this disorder, nor is there any prevention.
The German Shepherd is also prone to Panosteitis which is a skeletal problem of spontaneous lameness and pain. Usually occurring in large breed dogs in the 5 to 14 month age range and affecting male dogs more commonly than females. The pain can come and go and last up to two months (sometimes up to a year). Analgesic medications like aspirin can be be helpful in controlling the pain. In severe cases, corticosteroids may provide relief. Eventually the condition goes away.
Weight
77 – 85 pounds
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Male: 70-95 pounds, Female: 60-85 pounds
Male: 70-100 pounds, Female: 60-96 pounds
Size
22 – 26 inches
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Male: 24 to 26 inches, Female: 22 to 24 inches
Male: 24- 29 inches, Female: 22- 26 inches
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