We hope that reading through this in-depth article about are German Shepherds good family dogs has given you the information you need about the German Shepherd dog breed! For example, you need to understand that German Shepherds were bred to have intensely strong guarding instincts! Among the most popular German Shepherds are Strongheart, Lady Jule, Rin Tin Tin, and Hobo from Canada’s The Littlest Hobo. That’s a testament to the GSD’s superior working intelligence. But the fact is that their intellect plays a huge role. This is not a dog breed that will respond well to any kind of punishment or negative training methods. But the truth is that training and socialization can also have a noticeable effect on how well a GSD of either sex fits in as a family pet. Key Breed FactsBreed CharacteristicsBreed HighlightsIntroductionHistoryAppearanceTemperamentIntelligence / TrainabilityChildren and Other PetsHealthCaring for a German ShepherdGroomingExerciseFeedingAverage Cost to keep/care for a German ShepherdBreed Specific Buying Advice The rate at which the breed obeys a command they already know on the first try. But the fact is that their intellect plays a huge role. In fact, they’re the third most intelligent dog of all the breeds in the world, according to the AKC. Besides their intelligence, one of the most important reasons the GSD is so smart is their eagerness to please. You know the effort pays off when you have a well-behaved, obedient dog that’s also expressive in their appreciation of you. They’re perfect for this role not only because they’re naturally protective of their family but also because their intelligence, loyalty, and respect for their handlers make them more controllable even in intense situations. The GSD was great with the females and little kids but seems not to like men but me. For this reason, female dogs often tend to be more clingy and cuddly. Back and joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, ACL ligament tears, and the inability to stand and walk properly are associated with selective breeding and with early spay/neuter (before the age of one year old). As such, they’re easy to train to play nice and act accordingly around children. Accessibility Help. The number of repetitions it takes for a breed to learn a new command. Their intelligence, trainability, and eagerness to please also allows them to shine in obedience trials. Once you bring your new puppy home, it will be up to you to continue with training and socializing so your dog learns to channel those strong guarding instincts to protect your family and home without causing unnecessary harm. O’Neill, D.G., et al, “Demography and disorders of German Shepherd Dogs under primary veterinary care in the UK,” Canine Genetics and Epidemiology, 2017. They also excel in sports like dock diving, flyball, and agility, which show off their incredible athleticism. Similarly, German Shepherds are also known for their instinctive intelligence, or the ability to demonstrate natural skills for which they were bred. What type of socialization and training does a German Shepherd dog need to succeed as a family dog? Female German Shepherds typically look like softer or more feminine versions of their male counterparts, with more delicate features and a lighter overall build. He is such a blessing. Male German Shepherds typically look much more masculine than their female counterparts, with more pronounced, sharply defined features and a sturdier build. It is important not to shut your pup in the crate straight away, gradually build up the time they spend in it over days and weeks. So, we know that German Shepherds (and all dogsfor that matter) come from predominantly gray wolves, but the German Shepherd seems to be a little closer to wolves in terms of their direct ancestry. known as the "Alsatian Wolf Dog" in the UK from after the First World War until … The dog took after them even out into the road but only bothered the man, not the female jogger. Yes, there’s no doubt about it. In fact, training and socialization can make the difference between answering yes and no to the question, ”Are German Shepherds a good family dog?”. His aggressive behavior can be … German Shepherds are considered good guard dogs but if they are not trained guard dogs, then you need to curb any aggressive tendencies. The first and most important element is positivity. German Shepherd dogs are incredibly intelligent and quite sensitive! In this video, a German Shepherd shows its ability to herd sheep in a style called “tending,” which the breed apparently excels in: If honed properly, the German Shepherd’s innate protectiveness can be used to safeguard both people and property. That skill caught the eye of dog enthusiasts who not only propagated the breed but also created breed standards to protect the features and abilities we value in the German Shepherd today. Intelligence is in the German Shepherd’s nature. To help you better understand your Shepherd, let’s now take a closer look at their specific qualities. The Root of the Behavior German Shepherds are quite an intelligent breed, which means that you should be able to train them fairly easily. They stand 24 to 26 inches tall (paw pads to shoulder). Like, seriously reconsider. Why Do Puppies Cry At Night – How To Restore The Peace, What Is A Halti? Do German Shepherds Drink A Lot Of Water? They did so by evaluating dogs based on specific criteria: Every breed was evaluated at least 100 times, and the German Shepherd was ranked as the 3rd most intelligent dog breed. That means they’re more easily trained to be a good member of your household who not only potties in the right place but also follows house rules. How do we train him to be nice when appropriate? Be sure the puppy is bright-eyed and healthy and is willing to be held. Related Pages . Required fields are marked *. For this reason, depending on who you ask, you will find that different breeders, trainers and owners have many different opinions about whether a male or a female German Shepherd dog will make a better family pet. The goal was to judge a breed’s working intelligence, or a breed’s ability to learn from humans. This is about to get int… Email or Phone: Password: Forgot account? Not Now. Plus, they have a strong work drive, which allows them to excel on set. Today, some farms still rely on the GSD’s abilities to guard their livestock and protect them from outside predators. So, it will be largely dependent on the GSD in question. His instincts will cause him to appoint himself as family & property protector. German Shepherd Dog HQ is not claiming to be an expert on German Shepherds, nor do we provide veterinary advice. Many German Shepherds can get along fine with a cat with proper socialization and training. Well, it doesn’t which is why German Shepherds don’t make good family dogs. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), is something that the breed is predisposed to - but by and large it's something that mainly effects dogs that are older (7 and up). German Shepherds are known for having a strong prey drive. The most common descriptions of the GSD breed include words like loyal, confident, smart, self-assured, steady, courageous and noble. German Shepherds distinguished themselves in military work during both World Wars and then continued to work in military and civilian service. For family protection, German Shepherd dogs that are well trained can be an ideal choice. German Shepherds are known for their physical strength and intelligence. German Shepherds aren't even in the top ten list of breeds who have issues with hip dysplasia (based on OFA statistics). It is preceded only by the Border Collie and the Poodle, which rank 1st and 2nd, respectively. German Shepherds have an array of qualities that make them so wonderful, such as loyalty and protectiveness, but these same qualities can cause problems if they are not approached correctly. Apart from mental and physical stimulation, you must provide enough motivation for them to learn and listen. Why Do German Shepherd Puppies Bite So Much? Here’s a compilation of clips demonstrating the GSD’s abilities in various police and military applications: Now that fencing is more common in farms, herding no longer the first thing that comes up when discussing the functions in which the German Shepherd excels. German shepherd dogs can be very friendly and at the same time aggressive with other dogs or pets. A week later he let us touch him. German Shepherds are easily recognizable because of their popularity, large pointy ears, slopped back, and striking…, German Shepherds and Rottweilers are both large dogs with similar personalities. A dog’s adaptive intelligence refers to its problem-solving abilities. German Shepherds are the very last breed that you should consider as a family dog. Based on this study, the top 10 smartest dog breeds are: Landing in this top 10 list means the German Shepherd has proven to learn a new command in fewer than 5 exposures and obeys a known command at least 95% of the time. Some breeders describe male German Shepherds as more independent and self-sufficient, as well as more inclined to wander farther to patrol their territory. This is not a dog breed that will respond well to any kind of punishment or negative training methods. Answering this question for yourself often depends on how you define the term family dog. These working dogs have high exercise needs, so if you live in a rural area or have a house with a nice yard, a German Shepherd will be very happy with you. German Shepherds are notorious K-9 unit dogs, so they have a tendency to be watchful, obedient, and resourceful. Being able to train them to play games, do tricks, and engage in sports gives you an even deeper sense of accomplishment. In fact, evidence exists to show that both female and male German Shepherd dogs can make great family pets! The advantages of an intelligent breed are obvious in the context of working dogs. Facebook. German Shepherd dogs are incredibly intelligent and quite sensitive! German Shepherd or GSD serve as an ideal family dog. This combination makes them incredible animals. Generalizations about personality and temperament can help you make up your mind. That trait makes them obedient, keen to work, and easy to train. Is a German Shepherd a good family dog for your lifestyle and set up? Most German Shepherds are reserved with strangers. You need to dedicate enough time and effort to stimulate their mental faculties. Apart from their proven working intelligence, the German Shepherd also excels in two other types of intelligence: Adaptive and Instinctive. Discover (and save!) Not only are they constantly listed among the top smartest dog breeds around the world, but they also prove their superior intellect in everyday situations. Sections of this page. However, not every dog breed is the right fit for every family situation. As you now know, the German Shepherd as family pet can be a perfect pet dog for the right family. By 1907, not even two decades later, the first German Shepherd dog entered the show ring half a world away in America. Nevertheless, this is where their roots lie and, in fact, where they got their name. Why Does My German Shepherd Destroy Everything? The original founding father of the GSD breed line, Captain Max von Stephanitz’s herding dog, Horand von Grafrath (Hektor Linksrhein), was chosen for an overt display of qualities von Stephanitz described as “primal” and “wolf-like.”. Here, looking at whether the German Shepherd is a good family dog requires particularly careful research into the GSD personality and temperament. A German shepherd is considered one of the best dogs out there. Here, success absolutely depends on two factors: A health-focused, reputable breeder will aim to produce healthy puppies that will make excellent family pets. Sign Up. Welcome to German Shepherd Dog HQ! When we think of the German Shepherd, we think of the loyal ‘Guard Dog’ or ‘Police Dog.’ They have a strong instinctive drive and are incredibly self-confident. AND he and the cat cuddle together. The GSD’s capacity to learn isn’t limited to being a well-behaved dog. They are considered as good house dogs because of their calm nature and caring temperament. Get Pippa's free dog training tips delivered to your inbox. But this is a learned behavior. Your email address will not be published. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them." But if you’re looking for a companion or family dog, having a smart dog also has its perks: The German Shepherd’s natural abilities combined with their eagerness to please allow them to learn very quickly. While they are showing aggressive behaviors, it is important that you contain them, keep … (No biting involved) Max is a great big baby and we don’t want to lose him and can’t afford a law suit. As the breed's national club says, a good German Shepherd has: "a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. During this time, daily brushing will help you keep extra hair off the floors and furniture! Press alt + / to open this menu. However, the German Shepherd dog was not initially bred for family and community life. Yes, there’s no doubt about it. They might whine and wail to get some extra treats. It is no secret that some German Shepherds tend to be aggressive. This will include you and your family and also the entire premises surrounding your property. Their build, temperament, tracking ability, and intelligence makes them reliable companions for patrolling, protection, and apprehension. This means that it is often in their nature to chase small things that run such as cats and they have been known to harm cats. In the region where von Stephanitz lived, farmers desperately needed reliable livestock herders, but there was no distinct dog breed to do this important work—people instead traveled great distances to find good genetic stock to produce a working dog, so von … New style update 24/24Thanks For Watching ! German Shepherds are the very last breed that you should consider as a family dog. The good news is, German Shepherd dogs score so high on the “eager to please” scale that you will likely find your pup a delight to train! You should start socialization and training as soon as your puppy joins your family. By 1913 the breed had earned its first championship award. They might even intimidate you into dropping what you’re doing to take them out to play. If you were thinking of adopting a German Shepherd, you should reconsider. Make sure your new puppy is confident and curious and is happy to give and receive affection. Jul 8, 2014 - This Pin was discovered by Andreas Bartylla. Gerganoff, C., et al, “The History of the German Sehpherd Dog/What Should I Look For in a German Shepherd Puppy?,” German Shepherd Dog Club of America, 2018. Additionally, it is one of the breeds that excel in herding as a canine sport. Because of that, you’ll want to take plenty of time when naming them. This original dog was also described as highly intelligent, steady, and enduring. They stand 22 to 24 inches tall (paw pads to shoulder). They are also taught to use their remarkable scenting abilities to detect various things of interest to police, including bombs, drugs, and human remains. After meeting the parent dogs, it will be time to choose your puppy. Here are top 10 reasons why you should choose GSD as your family dog: 1- German Shepherd is an intelligent dog breed – The largest percentage of police dogs all over the world are GSD’s. German Shepherd Dog HQ is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Amazon.ca. Wahl, J.M., et al, “A review of hereditary diseases of the German shepherd dog,” Journal of Veterinary Behavior, 2008. Their tendency to tire of things easily might also mean you’ll need to change toys and treats more often. A fully grown adult female German Shepherd dog will usually weigh between 50 and 70 pounds. German Shepherds have always excelled in military, bomb detection, police, and guard dog work. The first and most important element is positivity. Von Stephanitz began his breeding efforts in 1889. Your email address will not be published. I am a German shepherd breeder, I have been breeding German shepherds for over 9 years. Pay attention to his wish to have a positive role, and direct him to the limits (he needs to defer to you (plural) as to who is OK. When I arrived with pizza our oldest son and a granddaughters husband were standing at the back of the truck saying the dog would not let them move. A German shepherd is really good around children and would be the very best pet an man could ever have. Among their most useful functions are as seeing-eye or guide dogs for the visually impaired, support for those with seizure disorders, assistants for those with mobility impairments, and therapy dogs for those with mental challenges. Do keep it … We had family over on a Saturday. These types of health issues are life-limiting and extremely painful for your dog. These are great traits and ones that would seem to lend themselves quite well to living in a family. Although there are plenty of benefits to owning an intelligent dog, it also comes with some difficulties. We all know that German Shepherds make great police dogs but how can that translate into a family setting.
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