Do German Shepherds Make Good Pets?
December 15, 2020
It seems like everyone is getting a puppy these days during the pandemic. We’ve seen many new pups walking the streets of our neighbourhoods, especially German Shepherds. So let’s take a look at what you need to know about this breed before you bring one of these gorgeous dogs home.
The German Shepherd is the second most popular dog in the United States, second only to the affable Golden Retriever. So what makes this proud protector such a good family pet?
Smart, confident and easy to train, the German Shepherd is the kind of dog that needs to be well socialized and introduced to family members early. They are a herding dog, so they need an activity and plenty of exercise to keep them occupied. A German Shepherd left at home all day will become high strung and nervous, resulting in destructive and sometimes aggressive behaviour.
German Shepherds come in all ranges of colour. They were bred originally to herd sheep and picked up agility, stealth and speed in the fields taking care of their flocks. Until the late 1800s, the German Shepherd varied from region to region.
There are five types of German Shepherd:
- Saddle Coat German Shepherd - tan and black with a distinct black saddle or blanket
- Black German Shepherd - all black
- Panda German Shepherd - white, black and tan
- Sable German Shepherd - a mix of black, grey, tan and gold
- White German Shepherd - all white
In the late 1800s, a German cavalry officer by the name of Captain Max von Stephanitz began to breed German Shepherds for their herding abilities. He bred different German Shepherds from different regions and spent 35 years perfecting the breed.
By the time the 1900s rolled around, the German Shepherd became very popular in the United States due to the celebrity dogs who starred in the movie Strongheart.
After World War I, the German Shepherd fell out of favour. So von Stephanitz changed course with his selective breeding and focused on the German Shepherd as a K-9 worker. The breed now enjoys top spot as the most popular dog for the police and military.
If you’re thinking of getting a German Shepherd puppy, it’s a good idea to go with a reputable breeder who selects their dams and sires for perfect health. German Shepherds are susceptible to temperament, behavioural and health problems like hip dysplasia if not bred with thought and care.