Things to Consider Before Choosing a German Shepherd as a Pet

The German shepherd is an obedient, brave, protective, and energetic dog breed, renowned for their intelligence and applauded for their mental performance. They are also beautiful and handsome in appearance and have excellent endurance.

Daily life with this breed requires a lot of time and care on the part of the pet owner. They adore being in the center of the activity and are sturdy and strong enough to become a problem when bored and lacking the attention that they need. To help reduce problem behavior, it is best to ensure that your pet receives plenty of exercise, physical and mental activities. They are distinguished, dedicated, brave, and pleasant and love to please their owners. They are also unbelievably friendly, although as they can be trained well, they are often found as police dogs and can learn to quickly attack on command. At one point, German Shepherds were as feared as Pit Bulls are today but as pet owners have become more aware of the importance of training and the presence of professional behavioral specialists, they can now be kept comfortably as household pets. They tend to bond very well with one owner, and so many not are good choices for a family looking for a pet for their children or shared ownership. They are a large breed and are distinguished, sturdy, and in proportion to the physical body. As they can be strong minded, pet owners should ensure that they take a firm approach.

In terms of grooming they will require a lot of attention to keep them tangle free and to prevent shedding. They have a double layer coat which can be thick, although there are many with single layer coats. Bathing the German shepherd frequently can affect the coat and remove oils and so they should only be bathed when necessary. Train your dog to be still when cleaned and do it after exercise.

They can be suspicious of strangers as they have a very protective instinct towards their owners and family members and again training for this breed is a must. As they are incredibly intelligent they do require daily stimulation and this breed is not for a family looking for an easy going pet. They should also be socialized with other pets early as they may dominant other animals. They may also engage in destructive behaviors when left alone or bored. As the temperament of this breed can vary considerably, it is important to work with a reputable breeder, including observing the parents, discussing any concerns you may have and describing your family and their needs. The breeder will help to determine if the German shepherd is appropriate for you. However, with the correct training, time, and patience, this is one of the most devoted breeds.