German Shepherd Dog - breed description and character of a dog

Since ancient times, people have preferred dogs similar to wolves, which are the ancestors of all the currently known breeds. These dogs were useful in the household, hunting and protection. In Germany, lived bronze dogs, which occurred as a result of the crossing of an Indian wolf and a European dog. This breed belonged to the shepherd because of the high level of obedience and execution of human commands. She is considered to be the ancestor of German shepherds, which have become popular in Europe since ancient times.

In the course of development, the breed began to show itself as an indispensable assistant and friend. Due to the urging of urbanization, the number of pastures was reduced, so the original shepherd duties were no longer included in the main purpose of the sheepdogs. In connection with this, the decision to withdraw the most universal breed of dogs, suitable for all spheres of modern human life, became obvious.

To implement the selection, they needed great financial opportunities and knowledge. This man was Captain Max von Stephanitz. Being a true lover and connoisseur of dogs, he approached the upcoming business with full responsibility, having developed a new breeding technique.

The captain did not pursue the goal of creating an absolutely new breed. On the contrary, he wanted to create an ideal breed, while retaining in it its original qualities and functions. Starting from the fact that all qualities must be transmitted by cable, he began to search for the perfect dog. To select a potential winner, Stephanitz had a large number of sheepdogs at his disposal, carefully considering each candidate.

Most of the available dogs were rejected, not meeting all the necessary requirements. The captain was looking for a dog that is different in obedience and intelligence. Easy training for all teams and responsibilities was imperative. Also, the appearance should be perfect in all respects. What mattered was not only strength and power, but also the natural nobility, and beauty, corresponding to the ideas about this breed. Trying to find a combination of these qualities, yet the emphasis was primarily on the intellectual knowledge of the dog.

Von Stephanitz finally found such a dog in 1899.Being at one of the dog shows, he turned his attention to a medium-sized shepherd dog. Khorand was strong, energetic and noble, like a true gentleman. Responding to all the necessary external and internal characteristics, it was this cable that became the official ancestor of the now famous German Shepherd, leaving behind a large offspring. Each pedigree line of shepherd dogs will lead to it.

The uniqueness of the development of the breed lies in the fact that it usually takes about a century for the population, and it took two decades for the shepherd dogs. In the year when the breed was registered, the official German Shepherd Society was also created. At the time of 1923, there were already about 27 thousand people in the organization. Captain von Stephanitz continued to be the founder and inspiration for working with the breed. He was engaged in the development of the Company's charter and breed standards. Later changes were made relative to the body of the dog, making it longer and lower.

Each dog selected for breeding differed not only in appearance, but also in psychological balance and working qualities. The very first exhibitions, in which German shepherds participated, most of all demonstrated the original qualities, namely shepherd's. But that was not the goal of the founder.The main thing that he wanted to show the world is that these are service dogs. Due to the increasing popularity of the breed, the captain was able to offer shepherd dogs for service in police organizations. Having proved its versatility and performance, soon this breed was used for military service.

During the First World War, shepherd dogs became universal servants. They were patrolmen, scouts, orderlies, guard and bloodhounds. However, the military actions of Germany had a negative impact on an adequate perception of the breed. Everything that was associated with the Germans, caused a negative in many countries. The popularity of dogs continued to grow, and, despite its German origin, they were still used. But some countries refused to assign the German designation to shepherd dogs, assigning the name of their country.

But this is not the worst thing that happened to the breed. Due to the fact that dogs took an active part in hostilities, most of them died. Some, being in the epicenter of the war, others - just starving. The post-war period can be called the rebirth of the breed. As soon as the danger to the species disappeared, the breeders began to actively re-breed sheepdogs, but not only in Germany.America, Japan, Scandinavia and the USSR are those countries where active breeding of the breed began after the war.

Today, nurseries around the world very much. Trying to improve the appearance, many breeders add new breed lines that should make the dog more and more “high-quality” and universal. Progress and opportunities do not stand still, but each breeder must take into account in his actions those recommendations that were fundamental to the founder of the breed.

1. When breeding, a person should not think about profit. Only sincere love and respect for dogs can move them.
2. It is important to consider the psychological state of the dog. The correct behavior is in its complete calm and poise, regardless of whether it is among its own, or turned out to be in an unfamiliar society.
3. No need to pursue the goal to breed only winners. Every dog ​​that has decent quality deserves attention. If she is not suitable for military service, she can become just a good helper and friend. It is only necessary in good faith to monitor the state of health, not saving money.
4. Only verified dogs are reduced, which gave a good strong offspring. Representatives that have problems with health and mentality are not used for breeding. Also, you can not breed new dogs, with the help of those that are close relatives.

Breed standards

The main characteristics of the breed include the following standards:

1. Externally, the German shepherd looks average, it does not apply to heavy or light dogs. The build is dry and muscular. Growth of a dog - from 60 to 65 cm, growth of a bough - from 55 to 60 cm.
2. The shape of the head is wedge-shaped and elongated, slightly widening between the ears. The skull can be called square.
3. The jaw is powerful, well developed and developed. The lips are dark, not separated from the jaw.
4. The tip of the nose is exclusively black.
5. Almond-shaped eyes, medium in size. Color dark, landing a bit slanting.
6. The ears are triangular, medium in size, pointed at the tips. Always in a standing position, ears forward. The position may change if the dog sleeps or moves in response to sounds.
7. Neck, back and chest - strong and muscular.
8. The body is elongated, with a dorsal line passing from the neck to the croup.
9. Curved tail, easily hanging down. The outside is smoother, the inside is fluffy.
10. Front feet smooth and straight. The forearm is strong, the location of the elbows is parallel to the entire paw, they should not look in any direction.
11. The hind legs are parallel, the length of the thighs and lower legs is almost equal to each other. The joints responsible for the jumps are clearly marked.
12. The coat is hard and short, tight to the body. There is a small undercoat. The plot with the longest coat is the neck.

The color of the dog is of three types:

• completely black;
• black with spots of a lighter tone;
• gray with dark, in the back and muzzle.

Character

The German Shepherd is a loyal companion, distinguished by a stable psyche. If we talk about purebred shepherd dogs, they are absolutely devoid of negative qualities of character, which makes them an indispensable and unique creature. These animals are considered noble and selfless, because the only purpose of their existence is the fulfillment of their destiny and desires of the owner.They cannot be called lazy, because they take advantage of any opportunity that will be useful. This has a positive effect on their existence in any area of ​​life.

Aggressiveness and temper is not peculiar to German shepherds, they get along with any person and animal. A well-developed sense of approaching danger. In such cases, they act independently. In a dangerous situation, they do not wait for the team if they feel that the owner is in trouble. The decision to protect is made solely by the dog.

One of the important features is the absence of fear. The dog does not retreat even if the enemy is significantly larger in size and strength. In the event of a struggle, it will fight to the last, if it is necessary to save the life of the owner.

Like many dogs, a shepherd dog will experience strong affection and loyalty to only one person, whom it considers to be its master. It is on such a person that the complete care and upbringing of the pet lies. But this does not mean that she is disrespectful towards other family members. Everyone close to the owner is her friend. Special preference is given to children, with them in shepherd dogs the sense of protection and playfulness becomes aggravated.

Does not like to be alone. If the host leaves her alone for a long time, she begins to feel a strong sense of depression. To the dog, being alone, do not miss, you can go to the trick. If you order her to protect some property, it will truly carry this service. Focusing on the fact that she must protect something, will forget that now is the time to miss the owner. It is impossible to bribe or hold a German shepherd, so every case for which she undertakes will be carried out in good faith.

Training and education

German Shepherd Dogs have long been perceived as the smartest dogs, for good reason they are one of the three breeds that are recognized as the smartest breeds in the world. However, to get such a dog, it is not enough just to get a pedigree baby. When starting a German shepherd, a person must understand that it will take time and effort to bring her up properly.

In order for a dog to be as smart and as trained as it is used to seeing it in cinema, home schooling will not be enough. Standard teams will not become the guarantor of the fact that the shepherd will become exactly what they want it to be. There are many courses that teach dog training.Their number and direction depends on the purpose for which the dog was acquired. Initial courses for all are the same and mandatory, and then you can choose the specifics.

Of course, every German Shepherd has innate diligence and intelligence, but it is necessary to develop and improve them in it.

Care

Given all the qualities and traits of character, it may seem that special care for shepherd dogs is not needed. But it is not. The quality of the breed is determined precisely by the excellent state of health that requires control.

1. Meals should be balanced. To replenish the energy that they actively spend during the day, meat is needed because of the large amount of protein. Negative and useless for the body - potato and flour products. Not only do they not contain beneficial elements, but also lead to obesity. Portions should be calculated on the basis of weight, since overeating will have a bad effect on the body’s work. The more useful the food, the less you can make a portion.
2. Periodically, at least once every two weeks, it is worth examining the dog yourself. At risk are the eyes and the musculoskeletal system.
3. Systematic visits to a veterinarian are obligatory, even if the dog is completely healthy and energetic. Not all diseases immediately give signs and symptoms, this applies to both people and animals. Prevention will never be superfluous, or even necessary. It is imperative to vaccinate on schedule, which is painted by doctors.
4. Caring for a German Shepherd - just like any other dog. Despite all the natural strength, she needs care and attention. It is desirable that shepherd lived in a private house, where she will have a lot of space for movement. However, they get along well in an ordinary apartment, the main thing is not to forget about walks.

How to choose a good puppy

Before you go for a puppy, you need to accurately determine the purpose of such an acquisition. As soon as you decide what the puppy will be taken for, go to professional breeders. They will pick you an animal with the characteristics that suit you.

Some owners take a German shepherd that meets all the characteristics of show dogs, thinking that they will raise a champion.However, not finding enough time for upbringing, they leave her as an ordinary pet. And it turns out that all the advantages and opportunities will remain unrealized.

Someone on the contrary gets just a faithful friend, but ultimately decides that you need to drive the dog to the exhibitions. But for simple purposes a certain puppy was chosen, whose natural qualities were not designed for exhibitions. Without showing the results that are expected of him, he can cause frustration.

If high hopes are placed on the dog, the choice of a puppy should be very serious. A breeder must provide not just a pedigree, but also a certificate of permission to breed a breed by his parents. If desired, you can obtain data on the litter, which can be both the first and tenth. If there is not enough information, the litter of previous generations is studied.

There are a lot of nuances, and this may seem like an unjustified headache. But we must remember that the German Shepherd, for whatever purposes it was acquired, will be a faithful companion and protector for many years.

To maximize the loyalty of a dog, you must take a puppy who is not yet three months old.The more mature he is, the harder the addiction is.

Puppy price

You can buy a pedigree German shepherd dog that has a pedigree, at an average price of 15,000 r. The price is influenced by many factors. The better and better the pedigree, the higher the cost. Often to the original price is added the cost of services that were necessary for a medical examination.

Video: German Shepherd Dog Breed