German Shepherd

With expert advice from: Karen Sygrove, a Kennel Club Judge, Bryan Pooley, a vet with 40 years experience, and Claire Arrowsmith an animal Behaviourist, this DVD will give you an in-depth insight and understanding of the German Shepherd.

They'll take you step-by-step through all the stages of German Shepherd ownership, including; what to look for in a breeder, choosing the right puppy from a litter, puppy-proofing your home, transporting your German Shepherd, what to do when you get home, toilet training, puppy's first visit to the vet, exercise routines, poisonous plants,the importance of socialisation and training, taking your German Shepherd abroad - in fact everything you need to ensure your German Shepherd grows into a healthy, happy and much loved addition to your family

Useful Information about the German Shepherd

Description: The German Shepherd Dog is a strong, agile, well muscled dog, alert and full of life. The German Shepherd is an extremely intelligent and makes a wonderful companion, show or obedience dog. The German Shepherd is exceptionally trainable and works well as a police, guide, or search and rescue dog.

Other Names: Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund

Height: Males are 24 - 26 inches; Females are 22 - 24 inches

Weight: 75 - 95 lbs.

Colours of the German Shepherd Dog: Solid black, gray, tan, gold and white.

Coat: Length is medium, straight and hard and close lying with a dense undercoat

Temperament: The German Shepherd Dog is intelligent, responsive, solid temperament, consistent behavior.

With Children: Yes, loves their own children, but may be suspicious of other children.

With Pets: Yes, if trained from puppyhood to accept other pets.

Special Skills: Family pet.

Watch-dog: Very High

Guard-dog: Very High

Care and Training: The German Shepherd requires daily brushing and bathing occasionally. Long, daily walks. The German Shepherd needs a large garden. Obedience training will help improve their social skills.

Learning Rate: Very High, Obedience - High, Problem Solving - High. Training is not easy as they are intelligent and will try to think of ways to avoid doing what you are asking.

Activity: Indoor - High, Outdoor – High

Living Environment: Country or city living as long as adequate attention and exercise is given. Fenced yard is essential. The owner of a German Shepherd should be strong and confident.

Health Issues: Usually hardy. Has potential to have hip dysplasia (abnormal development of hip joints), skin disease, bloat, congenital heart disease, Von Willebrand's disease, nervous condition and panosteitis (an inflammation of long bones in the legs.)

Life Span: 12 - 13 Years

Litter Size: 5 - 10

Country of Origin: Germany

History of the German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd dates back to as early as the 7th Century A.D. German Shepherd roots are in the mountain sheepdog of Germany. About 1880 the German army modified this breed for work as a military dog. The first German Shepherd exhibit was in 1882 in Hanover. Credit for the formation of the modern breed is given to German fancier Rittmeister von Stephanitz.