Things NOBODY tells you about owning a German Shepherd
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Published 2022-10-12
If you are thinking of adopting a german shepherd, or perhaps you already live with one, don't miss this video that reveals everything you need to know about these wonderful companions.
German Shepherd Dogs are very protective of their loved ones
As herding dogs in the past, German Shepherds would guide, herd, and protect livestock. As pets, these herding instincts motivate these dogs to act as protectors for their owner, family, and children. Because of this, German Shepherds may sometimes act a bit distant or aloof with strangers. They will love you and your family, but they may give all new people the stink eye. Don’t worry though, they are just looking out for you and your family’s safety.
You should be committed to spending time socializing and training your dog to ensure your canine feels comfortable around strangers and other dogs.
German Shepherds will explore everything with their noses
It's true that all dogs have a better sense of smell than humans. But compared to other dog breeds, German shepherds have a far better sense of smell.
When on walks, you may find your curious dog sniffing everything on sight such as trees or bushes.
They are mouthy
German Shepherds tend to use their mouths as an appendage thanks to their herding heritage. This is because these dogs would use their mouths to herd the sheep in the right direction.
This means that German shepherds tend to grab onto anything that fits their mouth and chew on it.
Training your dog not to chew on the furniture or nibble on your hand is essential with this breed.
They provide constant companionship
Having a German shepherd in your home means you will never be alone because your loyal canine will always be by your side.
Their affectionate and dedicated personalities are a bonus of the breed. This means your GSD will follow you everywhere and will want to spend time with you rather than being left alone all day.
German shepherds thrive in human companionship. The more time you spend with them the happier they will be.
They shed a lot
German Shepherds have a double coat which enables them to tolerate both cold and hot weather. But this means these pups shed heavily and frequently.
Aside from shedding throughout the year, German shepherds lose all their undercoat twice a year, in the spring and fall.
They are super active
German Shepherds need daily, strenuous exercise. These dogs are not suitable for laid back owners who prefer laying on the couch all day. They need active owners who can provide them with daily exercise.
If left unexercised, shepherds tend to become bored, anxious, and ill tempered.
They may even find destructive ways to release their pent-up energy, such as chewing, excessive barking, or scratching.
German Shepherds have different coat and color variations
There are different types and color variations in German Shepherds.
The most common colors are black and tan, but they also come in colors such as solid black, black and silver, bi-color, gray, or even white.
German Shepherds also have different coat variations.
The normal coat is short hair, but they also come with a longer coat.
German shepherds are incredibly smart
German Shepherds are among the most intelligent dogs living today. Their unique ability to follow human commands is what makes them smarter than nearly all dogs.
In addition, they have a strong desire to cooperate and work with us, a trait many see as a wish to please their humans. No wonder this breed excels at whatever you train them to do. But remember, because German Shepherds are one of the brightest breeds, it is important to provide them with plenty of mentally stimulating toys, and play brain-challenging games.
German Shepherds have herding traits
German Shepherds were originally bred to guard and herd sheep and cattle. So, along with the herding traits of independent thinking and intelligence, it’s perfectly normal for your German Shepherd to herd human family members.
For example, if someone in the family steps off the sidewalk, the dog will herd the wayward member back onto the sidewalk and safety.
They don’t like being left alone
German Shepherds are social dogs and hate spending time without their human. These canines suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone for long periods of time.
They may need to be trained not to bark
German Shepherds are especially bad for apartment owners not just because they are high-energy dogs but also because they tend to bark at strangers and at outside noises. They are guard dogs after all. This can be avoided, of course. There are ways to train any dog not to bark at strangers.
Health problems
Although German Shepherds are generally considered to be healthy dogs, the breed is associated with several health conditions such as hip dysplasia, epilepsy, and bloating.
GSDs have a lifespan of 9-13 years which is average for most dogs.
All Comments (21)
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The only thing better than a German shepherd, is 2 or 3 German shepherds!
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As a farmer I love this breed. I can tell him to herd the sheep into their pens and not even have to stop what I'm doing. They're also great at sitting and guarding them in pastures. Great for chicken coop protection as well. Keeps the coyotes, and foxes away. By days end they come in tired, eat, then pass out till next morning. These are perfect farm dogs, next to border collies.
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My much missed German Shepherd, I only had to give him a look and he knew what I wanted, and vice versa. Mine died from cancer in the tail. heart braking to take him for his final journey.
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We currently have a 1yr 7month old GSD and he already knows the english language, meaning key words like find, go, watch, look, sit, up, down, stay, no, yes, don't bite, leave it, and they also capable of understanding bilingualism. Keep them thriving. Let them do it all.
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This is a good video and so true. We've owned 5 GSD's over the years, 4 males and one female and still have a male. They are a wonderful dog if you like to train dogs and give them the activity they need. Due to our age, this will be our last. Oh my, I dread the day we're without a GSD.
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Greatest pet I have ever owned . I miss him .
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Everything is spot on. I have raised 2 GSD's. My last one passes almost 2 1/2 years ago, he was 13 years old. Most health problems with large breed dogs especially orthopedic and obesity can be avoided by NOT NEUTERING males and waiting until two years old to spay females. When it comes to my last GSD I don't think I will ever be rid of him. No matter how much I clean and vacuum I still find tuffs of his fur. I miss my block headded friend's unconditional loyalty and love.
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I’m getting my first German shepherd in November this year, she’s due to be born in 2 weeks time (roughly)! My last dog was a border collie rescue so she’ll be my first dog from a breeder (I was really worried about their common heditary issues so I opted for someone who does full vet clearances and hip and elbow scoring, who breeds straight backed working lines.) This has been a dream for me ever since I was 6 and I’ve been actively planning for my GSD for 2 years now so I’m hella excited lol
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Just saying they shed a lot is an understatement
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At 18 seconds, that looks like my "Gunny". He and his brother "Captain" were trained by my neighbor and myself., My neighbor is a LEO K9 deputy. His Belgian and my 2 play together often. Best "Fur friends". Both will patrol the property, bite only on command and are 4-legged alarm systems. It's nice to know that our 2 "little ones" at 80 pounds each are here to thrive, protect and love as family members. When we do hit the rack and the end of the day, it's very comforting to know that 1 sleeps against the front door and the other against the back door. You can't have better security than that.
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Growing up in Brazil, my German Shepherd (REX ... rip) was pretty much the highlight of my childhood. Picture this: endless sunny days with the most loyal, goofy sidekick by my side. Whether we were exploring causing chaos, or just chilling in the backyard, every moment was an adventure. The memories? They're as vivid as ever. Honestly, that dog didn't just bring joy into my life; he filled it with unconditional love and laughter that I carry with me to this day. x
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After 'The MAN UPSTAIRS' Made G.SHEPS . .HE Broke The Mold!!' . G. SHEPS Are Definitely In a CLASS By THEMSELVES! .THEY'RE The Most Beautiful! . .Smartest! . .Sweetest! .Loving! .Most Protective! . .N Most Loyal!!
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had 3 Shepherds, they have all been exceptional animals
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I've had 5 GSDs in my 75 years and I wish I'd had 2-3 times that many. To me, they are the #1 species on the planet...
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after they chew on something, I don't recommend replacing it with treats, instead tell them no DO NOT YELL and take the item carefully away from their mouth, Don't let it rip, or else they can choke But they will eventually learn it when you teach them, give them treats after they stop :D hope this helps! Have a great day! (Everything else in the video is correct, good job!)
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I have a half GSD who came from the short-haired line. He has semi-floppy ears and an almost entirely tan coat, but otherwise received all these GSD traits. He's been fiercely protective since the first week I got him, adores my friends and family but will give every stranger an ear full until they prove friendly, always has lots of words to say, HATES being alone, always knows 10 minutes before if I'm about to leave and starts whining and pacing, sheds a ton, and absolutely demands morning cuddles, belly scratches, and daily doses of affection. He's adorable, but it's definitely not the kind of breed you want if you have to leave them alone most of the time.
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Most precious friends
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The number one best thing you'll ever do for your child is giving them the opportunity grow up along side of this majestic companion. Do your research, chose wisely, consider working lines over show lines and understand your responsibility owning a powerful naturally protective dog.
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after owning four I can say so much spot on information. first rule for me is do what you and the dog want not doing what others say, my home my rules so if you dont like my rules tough. my furniture my rules. be consistent with your best friend as training yourself before training the dog.
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I have an 8 month old right now, that is absolutely perfect! On point, with how the gsd is.
