Adopting a German Shepherd? Considerably one of the smartest and most loyal dog breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club, German Shepherds are one of the top choices for service, military, and police dogs.
They’re brave, dutiful, and alert – which also makes them a great choice for prospective pet owners who want an active companion.
If you’ve set your eyes on a beautiful German Shepherd puppy from a local shelter or a certified puppy breeder, there are just a few important things that you need to know to ensure that you know what to expect.
German Shepherd Puppies Are Bred for Two Purposes
Before adopting a German Shepherd you must know that aside from being effective and hardworking service dogs and police K-9s, German Shepherds are also a top choice for dog shows. This is why a lot of kennels that specialize in German Shepherd puppy breeding specifically focus on either breeding them as show dogs or as working dogs.
The main difference is the lineage, with show dogs often having AKC champions in their pedigree, while puppies bred for work will have Schutzhund lineage.
To make it clearer, work dogs with a Schutzhund title have passed the specifications for Schutzhund training, is a program that measures a dog’s competence in protection, obedience, and tracking.
AKC champion lineage, on the one hand, means that a dog has a purebred bloodline and has champion predecessors, which is highly sought after by breeders. If you’re planning on becoming a certified German Shepherd breeder, it’s best that you decide which one you would want to focus your breeding practice on.
German Shepherds Are Extremely Active
As service-bred dogs, German Shepherds are accustomed to high levels of energy. Not only are they dedicated to their work, but they’re also ready to perform their best for long periods of time even if they’re raised as domestic dogs. If you’re planning on adopting a German Shepherd puppy – or maybe even adopting a retired K-9 – you will need to devote long periods of time to help them expend their energy. This is especially important if you live in a house with limited space, like pet-friendly condominiums and apartments.
Some recommendations we have is that you hire a pet walker or a pet nanny to take care of your dog while you’re at the office or when you’re running errands. Let them walk your pet to the dog park or take them on runs, just to ensure that your German Shepherd has adequate amounts of exercise and mental stimulation.
German Shepherds Are Predisposed to Health Conditions
Like many large-breed dogs, German Shepherds are predisposed to a number of health conditions, mostly concerning their muscles and joints. These include hip dysplasia, arthritis, degenerative disc diseases, and epilepsy. While ethical breeders do their best to find dams and sires that do not have a history of these conditions, some puppies may still be bred with a higher risk. Unfortunately, these illnesses are often hard to treat when they do develop, but owners can try to mitigate the effects early on by optimizing a German Shepherd’s diet to include essential nutrients
German Shepherds Shed
If you’re allergic to dog fur, the bad news is that the German Shepherd may not be the best breed for you to adopt. German Shepherds are well-known for their thick brown and black coats. For non-owners, their coat might make them an adorable option for warm hugs. However, during come
summer and winter months, German Shepherds will shed – a lot.
To avoid fur from blowing all over your home, consider brushing or combing a German Shepherd’s coat a few times a week to loosen the hair. Regular trips to professional groomers are also highly recommended to condition their fur and trim sections where fur might have grown too long for your pet to be comfortable.
German Shepherds Need Obedience and Socialization Training Early On
From their name, German Shepherds were originally bred to be herder animals, which explains their occasional high prey drive and strong herding instincts. Because of this, German Shepherds will need to be trained and socialized early on, even before they start building potential negative habits and traits. If you’re adopting an adult German Shepherd that doesn’t seem to have a background in obedience training, it’s best that you consult the advice of professional trainers, or if you’re well-versed in dog training, that you firmly start their training once they settle in.
German Shepherds: Your Loyal and Brave Life Companion
As the top choice for working dogs, it’s only predictable that German Shepherds are some of the best types of dogs out there because of their sense of service, bravery, and unmatched loyalty to their pet parents. If you’re planning on adopting a German Shepherd, you need to be ready to be just as dedicated to them as they are to you. So when you’re ready, welcome a beautiful German Shepherd into your home and start your journey towards a long and fulfilling partnership with one of the best dog breeds out there.
What other things do you need to consider before adopting a German shepherd?
Before adopting a German Shepherd, there are several things to consider to ensure that you are prepared to provide a happy and healthy home for your new pet. These include:
- Understand Breed Characteristics: German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. However, they can also be very energetic and require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation.
- Exercise and Training Requirements: German Shepherds need daily exercise and training to stay happy and healthy. They thrive on structure and routine, and training is crucial to help them become well-behaved, obedient pets.
- Health Issues – Like all breeds, German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, allergies, and digestive issues. Regular veterinary care is important to ensure that your German Shepherd stays healthy.
- Socialization Needs: German Shepherds require socialization from an early age to help them develop into friendly, well-adjusted pets. Without proper socialization, they can become anxious and potentially aggressive.
- Financial and Time Commitment: Owning a German Shepherd requires a significant financial and time commitment. They require daily exercise, regular veterinary care, and high-quality food and supplies. Also, they are a long-lived breed and you will need to be prepared for a long-term commitment.
- Their Living Situation: German Shepherds are large dogs and require a lot of space to roam. If you live in a small apartment or don’t have access to outdoor spaces, a German Shepherd may not be the right breed for you.
By considering these factors before adopting a German Shepherd, you can be sure you’re prepared to provide the best possible home for your new pet.
Can a First Dog owners still adopt a German Shepherd?
Yes, a first-time dog owner can still adopt a German Shepherd, but it’s important to understand that German Shepherds are high-energy and require proper training and socialization. If he’s a first-time dog owner, he may want to consider working with a professional trainer or behavior specialist to help him provide the best possible care for his new pet.
It’s also important to make sure you have the time and resources to meet the training and exercise needs of the breed. German Shepherds are active dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. If you can’t provide adequate exercise or training, a German Shepherd may not be the right breed for you.
Ultimately, whether or not a first-time dog owner can adopt a German Shepherd depends on their individual circumstances and their ability to provide the necessary care and attention. If you are considering adopting a German Shepherd as a first-time dog owner, it is important that you do your research and carefully consider whether or not you are prepared to provide the best possible home for your new pet.
FAQs on Adopting a German Shepherd
What should I look for when adopting a German Shepherd?
When adopting a German Shepherd, it’s important to look for a reputable breeder or rescue organization. You should also look for a dog with a good temperament and health history, and consider factors such as age, gender, and energy level that will fit with your lifestyle.
How much exercise do German Shepherds need?
German Shepherds are active dogs that require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. They need at least 1-2 hours of exercise per day, such as walks, runs, or playtime in a fenced yard.
Can German Shepherds be aggressive?
German Shepherds can be protective and may show aggression towards strangers or other animals if they are not properly socialized or trained. It’s important to provide proper training and socialization to prevent any aggressive behavior.
Are German Shepherds easy to train?
German Shepherds are intelligent and can be easy to train, but they also require consistent training and socialization from a young age to ensure that they become well-behaved and obedient pets.
Are German Shepherds good apartment dogs?
German Shepherds are large, active dogs that require plenty of space to move around. They may not be the best choice for apartment living unless you can provide them with enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, adopting a German Shepherd can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to carefully consider the characteristics of the breed and its ability to provide the necessary care and attention. German Shepherds are intelligent, loyal, and protective dogs that require daily exercise, training, and socialization to stay happy and healthy. They can be an excellent choice for experienced dog owners or first-time dog owners who are willing to invest the time and resources to provide a happy and healthy home for their new pet. If you’re considering adopting a German Shepherd, it’s important to do your research, work with a reputable breeder or rescue organization, and be prepared for the long-term commitment of owning a pet.
