German Shepherds are generally of two breeding types, the “working line” and “show line.” Surprisingly, there are five different types of “show line” German Shepherd dogs that you can find. The most popular characteristic that separates them among their different styles is the color of their coats.
German Shepherds are also sometimes distinguished by the length of their hair and coat, but that is generally seen only in purebred German Shepherds. Apart from being identified based on their looks, they are also differentiated based on their personality and health, known as “working lines.”
The 5 different types of “show line” German Shepherd dogs are:
Saddle Coat German Shepherd
The German Shepherd dogs of this kind are also called SaddleBack Shepherds, being the most identified German Shepherds of all time. There are two colors coated on their bodies, as with all other German shepherd types apart from the true black Shepherd.
Black German Shepherd
This variety of German Shepherd dogs is also known as ‘Solid Color German Shepherd.’ A rare dog type compared to the Saddleback German Shepherds. You would also sometimes find powdered blue color designs on their coats, but this is rare, and these types are not considered solid by various dog breeding competitions. If a German Shepherd dog has this blue pigment on their coat, then he/she would indeed be accepted in the competition but would lose points due to their color.
A Sable German Shepherd is one of the most attractive and unique German Shepherd dog types. They are familiar as ‘Agouti’ in many places. This Sable or Agouti pattern does not manifest in a patchy manner with the Saddleback or the panda German Shepherds as this unique color pattern of fur grows all over their body. The Agouti Shepherds are not born the same, looking like this. Their coat color develops gradually and becomes more durable as they age. Some colors may be brighter than others due to their genetic predisposition. Usually, their coat’s color is an amalgam of black, grey, gold, or tan. The newly born Sable German Shepherd puppies are generally tan in color, and then their coat develops stronger colors as they get older.
Panda German Shepherd
Panda German Shepherds have a stunning appearance of white, black, and traces of tan. They are called “Panda” due to the similarities in the appearance of their coat. Their belly, chest, and mouth are white, their back is dark, and their legs are tan. This type of fur pattern is considered unique. The Panda-like appearance of these dogs is due to a genetic mutation. Owning this pigmentation on their fur does not indicate that they are a mixed breed, as many people think. This type of fur color might make few breeders distrustful about the dogs’ health, but they are as active, healthy, and strong as the other German Shepherd Dogs.
White German Shepherd
The White German Shepherd also belongs to the Solid German Shepherd type. The only difference is that their fur’s dominant color is white instead of black, which makes them genetically inclined to develop beautiful and luscious white fur. The only genetic variation between the two Solid German Shepherds is that the White Shepherds have their color due to a dominant gene, whereas the Black Shepherds have their color due to a recessive gene. You should not mix white German shepherds with albinism because that is an entirely different genetic factor. These white German shepherd breeds are rare, which could be due to their disqualification from the competitors.
The 2 different types of “working line” German Shepherd dogs are:
The West German Working Lines
The West German Shepherd working lines are considered the original German Shepherds, bred by Max Von Stephanitz, the German Shepherd dog breed founder. These dogs were developed to focus on their ability to work, learn, and listen rather than appearance. The West German Shepherd working lines are of the highest quality.
Czech Working Lines
The Czech German Shepherds are similar to wolves in characteristics compared to all other German Shepherd breeds. Czech German are specifically for guarding and patrolling the borders of the country. They make outstanding family pets and guard dogs. These dogs are often recruited by police departments, search and rescue teams, and other such organizations requiring intelligent and capable working dogs.
German Shepherd History
The German Shepherd’s name implies a breed that originated in Germany. They were developed in 1899, by owing their existence to one gentleman: Captain Max von Stephanitz, a career captain in the German cavalry with the intention of creating a German breed that would mis-match as a herding dog. The breed was subjected to rigorous selection, and it advanced quickly. In the United Kingdom, these canines are known as Alsatians because devotees of the breed wanted to protect the dog from anti-German feelings after World War I.
The soldiers of the United States have introduced German shepherd dogs after returning home from World War I. The breed grabbed the public eye through movie stars Strongheart and, later, Rin Tin Tin. By World War II, these dogs were considered a military breed. These were the first guide dogs ever used. Today, the German Shepherds are one of the most famous dogs in America. The breed’s fame began rising worldwide in the early 1900s, and the German Shepherd breed was identified by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908. German Shepherd, in modern times, remains the most popular dog breed. It stands in the second position in the AKC listings. Cross-breeding these dogs with Shiloh Shepherds resulted in King Shepherds. In 1999, German Shepherd dogs stood third out of the Top 50 Breeds on the American Kennel Club’s list.
The German Shepherd is a herding dog breed known for its bravery, loyalty, and guarding abilities. This breed makes an excellent guard dog, guide dog for the blind, police dog, military dog, and search and rescue dog. For many pet owners, the German Shepherd is also a treasured family companion.
German Shepherd Breed Overview
The German Shepherd Dog, also familiar as the Alsatian in Great Britain and few parts of Europe, is listed among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the U.S. and one of the world’s most recognized breeds.
The German Shepherd has held many jobs like movie starring, chasing down criminals, leading the blind, sniffing out illegal materials, serving in the military, visiting the sick, and herding stock.
The German Shepherd may comprise some of the dogs’ best qualities, but they’re not for every dog keeper. German Shepherds also have an aloof and sometimes suspicious nature that is great for a watchdog but not a family dog who’ll make guests feel esteemed. However, if you habituate a German Shepherd to various situations and people starting from their puppyhood, they can learn to be good with new people and conditions.
Suppose you are planning to adopt a puppy. In that case, you’ll get a slightly unusual kind of German Shepherd depending on descendants that come from American versus German breeders. In general, American breeders often strive to create dog show champions, and they breed more for that distinctive German Shepherd look than for remarkable German Shepherd skills.
The breed’s followers say that American-bred German Shepherds are more gentle than their German-bred dogs. Still, critics say these dogs have lost some of their talents for working traditional German Shepherd duties and are prone to behavioral disorders such as separation anxiety.
German breeders, on the other side, breed for working abilities, as well as to fit the breed’s traditional looks. Before a German Shepherd is bred in Germany, they have to pass numerous tests to prove they measure up to the breed’s physical and mental benchmarks. German Shepherd Dogs from Germany tend to have a more energetic and driven nature.
German Shepherd Breed Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Intensely Trainable
Needs a yard
Exceptional Guard Dog
May be aggressive if not properly trained
Loyal
May not get along with other pets
German Shepherd Highlights
German Shepherds are intelligent and active dogs. They must be kept busy and involved in learning, working, and playing. Physical and Mental exercise can be stimulating and helpful to keep them healthy and energetic.
If not appropriately socialized, German Shepherds can be suspicious of strangers and remain aloof. The best way to prevent this maladaptive behavior is by exposing the puppy to many places, people, and experiences. Obedience training can help them get along well with other dogs and people.
German Shepherds shed a lot, and they are nicknamed German shedders. Brushing regularly several times a week will keep them clean.
Crater training is the best way to housetrain a puppy. It helps them keep calm and happy when separated.
German Shepherd pcan be a great watchdog and live indoors with family if they have access to a large, fenced yard, where they can play and burn off their natural energy.
German Shepherd Personality
German Shepherd is a powerfully built, relatively long-bodied dog that stands 24 to 26 inches for males & 22 to 24 inches for females and weighs 74 to 95 pounds (33 to 43 kg). German shepherds are most commonly a mix of black and tan colors but rarely seen in other variations like all-black, black with red, sable, and even the rare white German Shepherd. They are eager to please, incredibly brave, and easy to train, which is why they serve as police dogs, agility dogs, service dogs, conformation animals, obedience dogs, and guards. These good-natured, devoted dogs make great pets for individuals and families and tend to be protective of their owners. Some poorly bred German shepherd dogs can be highly nervous. Combined with improper socialization and inadequate training, over guarding and aggressive behavior are risks. The German Shepherd Dog is broader than tall, with the most desirable proportion as 10 to 8½.
Friendliness Overview
Affection Level
High
Family-Friendly
High
Kid-Friendly
High
Pet-Friendly
Low
Strangers-Friendly
Low
Adaptability Overview
Good for New Pet Owners
Low
Good for Apartment Living
Medium
Sensitivity Level
High
Tolerates being alone
Low
Heat Tolerance
Medium to High
Cold Tolerance
Medium to High
Trainability Overview
Easy to Train
High
Intelligence
High
Prey Drive
High
Tendency to Chew, Nip & Play-bite
High
Tendency to Bark or Howl
Medium to High
Wanderlust Ability
Low
Tendency to Dig
Low
Tendency to Snore
Low
Attention/Social Needs
Medium
German Shepherd Physical Features
Head
The head is impressive, cleanly chiseled, strong without coarseness, but above all not fine, and symmetry to the body. The expression is keen, intelligent, and composed. Eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped, set a little diagonally, and not protruding. The color is dark. In proportion to the skull, ears are slightly pointed, open to the front, and carried erect when at attention. The ideal carriage is one in which the center lines of the ears, viewed from the front, parallel each other and perpendicular to the land. A dog with hanging ears is disqualified. Viewed from the front, the forehead is only slightly arched, and the skull tilts into the long, wedge-shaped muzzle without abrupt stop. The muzzle is long and robust, and its topline is parallel to the top line of the skull. The nose is black. A German Shepherd dog with predominant black nose is disqualified. The lips are firmly fitted. Jaws are strongly developed. Teeth are 42 in number, 20 upper and 22 lower, are strongly formed and meet in a scissors bite in a part where the inner surface of the upper incisors meet and engage part of the lower incisors’ outer surface. An overshot jaw or a level bite is unacceptable. An undershot jaw is also a disqualifying fault. Complete dentition is preferred. Any missing teeth other than primary premolars is a serious fault.
Neck
The neck is muscular and strong, clean-cut and relatively long, proportionate in size to the head and without loose skin folds. The head is raised when the dog is at attention or excited. The neck is carried high; otherwise, the head’s typical carriage is forward rather than up and slightly higher than the top of the shoulders, particularly in movement.
Topline
The withers are higher than sloping into the level back. The back is straight, very well developed without sag or roach, and relatively short. The whole-body composition gives an impression of depth and solidity without bulkiness.
Chest
Starting at the prosternum, it is well packed and carried well down between the legs. It is deep and spacious, never shallow, with sufficient room for lungs and heart, carried well forward, with the prosternum pointing ahead of the shoulder in profile. Ribs are well spread and long, neither barrel-shaped nor too flat, and carried down to the sternum that entered the elbows. Correct ribbing supports the elbows to move back freely when the dog is in a rush. Too round causes interference and forces the elbows out; too or flat causes pinched elbows. Ribbing is carried well back so that the loin is short. Abdomen tightly held and not paunchy. The bottom line is moderately tucked up in the loin.
Loin
Observed from the top, broad and robust. When viewed from the side, the excessive length between the last rib and the thigh is undesirable. Croup long and gradually sloping.
Tail
The tail is bushy, with the last vertebra enlarged at least to the hock joint. It is placed easily into the croup, low rather than high. At rest, the tail hangs in a slight bend like a saber. A tiny hook sometimes carried to one side is faulty only to the extent that it mars general appearance. When the dog is gesticulating, the curve is highlighted and the tail raised, but it should never be curled ahead beyond a vertical line. The tail is too short with clumpy ends due to ankylosis are serious faults. A German Shepherd with a docked tail is disqualified.
Forequarters
The shoulder blades are long and diagonally angled, laid on flat, and not placed forward. The upper arm unites the shoulder blade at about right angle. Both the upper arm and the shoulder blade are muscled well. The forelegs, when viewed from all sides, are straight, and the bone is oval shaped rather than round. The pasterns are strong and springy, and angled at approximately a 25-degree angle from the vertical. Dewclaws on the forelegs are removed but are generally left on.
Hindquarters
The thigh’s whole arrangement, viewed from the side, is wide, with both lower and upper thigh well-muscled, forming as nearly as possible a right angle. The upper thigh bone corresponds to the shoulder blade, while the lower thigh bone corresponds to the upper arm. The metatarsus (the part between the hock joint and the foot) is short, strong, and tightly linked. The dewclaws, if any, should be eliminated from the hind legs. Feet as in front.
Coat
An ideal German Shepherd dog has a double coat of medium length. The outer coat should be as thick as possible, straight hair, firm, and lying close to the body. A slightly wavy outer coat, often of wiry texture, is allowable. The head comprises the inner ear and fore-face, and the legs and paws are spread with short hair and the neck with more extended and thicker hair. The foreleg’s rear and hind legs have somewhat longer hair extending to the pastern and hock. Faults in coat include soft, silky, too long outer coat, curly, woolly, and open coat.
Color
The German Shepherd Dog differs in color, and most colors are admissible. Mostly, intense and rich colors are favored. Pale, faded colors and blues or livers are serious flaws to be noted. A white colored German Shepherd dog is disqualified.
Gait
A German Shepherd Dog is a trotting dog, and it has been developed to meet its work conditions. General impression reveals the gait is outreaching, flexible, seemingly without effort, soft and rhythmic, covering the maximum amount of ground with the minimum number of steps. It comprises a great deal of land at a walk with a long stride of both hind legs and forelegs. At a trot, the dog covers still more ground with an even longer stride and moves powerfully but quickly, with coordination and balance so that the gait appears to be the steady motion of a well-lubricated machine. The feet travel close to the ground on both forward reach and backward push. To achieve supreme movement of this kind, there must be good muscular development and ligamentation. The hindquarters deliver a tremendous forward thrust that slightly lifts the whole animal and drives the body forward through the back. Reaching far under and passing the imprint left by the front foot, the hindfoot takes hold of the ground; then hock, stifle and upper thigh come into play and whizz back, the stroke of the hind leg finishing with the foot still adjacent to the ground in a smooth follow-through. The hindquarter’s overreach usually requires one rear foot passing outside and the other rear foot passing inside the forefeet’s track. Such action is not faulty unless the movement is crabwise with the dog’s body sideways out of the standard straight line.
Transmission
The German Shepherd dog’s smooth-flowing gait is maintained with great strength and stiffness of the back. The hindquarter’s whole effort is transferred to the forequarter through the loin, back, and withers. The back must remain stable and level without sway, whip, roll, or roach at full trot. Uneven topline with withers lower than the hip is a flaw. The shoulder should open to its maximum extent to compensate for the hindquarters’ forward motion. The forelegs should range close to the ground in a long stride in harmony with the hindquarters. The German Shepherd dog does not track widely separated parallel lines but brings the feet inward toward the body’s middle line when trotting to maintain balance. The feet follow closely but do not strike or cross over. When the dog is viewed from the front, the leading legs function from the shoulder joint to the pad in a straight line, and when viewed from the rear, the hind legs operate from the hip joint to the pad in a straight line. Whether from the front, back, or side, gait flaws are to be considered severe defects.
German Shepherd Temperament
German Shepherd is considered one of the most popular dog breeds due to their courage, intelligence, and gentle manner. This multi-talented working dog is quick to learn and eager to please. While they can be bossy, consistent training and obedience sessions will make German Shepherd a loyal companion their entire life.
Though German shepherds were bred to work, they make great family dogs as long as owners can dedicate time to regular obedience training and an hour or more daily vigorous exercise that means long walks or runs or engaging them in agility training competitions to channel their herding abilities. German shepherds are playful dogs who enjoy spending plenty of quality time with their owners, so don’t judge them for their fierce looks. German shepherds rarely let their owners out of sight. For this reason, German Shepherds shouldn’t be left alone since their separation anxiety can become destructive if left alone for a longer time.
German Shepherd is so smart and quickly learns that it excels in many other dog activities, including Schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, ring sport, and flyball. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid explosion or gas leaks in a pipe buried 15 feet underground. Like any breed, it’s necessary to socialize your German shepherd from its puppyhood properly. Though German shepherds are not completely aggressive, by nature, they are very protective of their families. Their guarding tendencies make them natural watchdogs who will protect their territory and alert you to troubles. German shepherds are gentle with children and other pets, especially when introduced as a puppy. However, it’s essential to teach children how to interact with dogs appropriately, says the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.
German Shepherd Exercise Needs
German Shepherds do best with loads of exercise and stimulation and are happiest when given a job to do. If these dogs are not exercised enough, they will become frustrated and are likely to develop troublesome behaviors. As an energetic breed, the German Shepherd requires lots of activity for his physical and mental well-being. With a puppy, you can begin with short daily walks, as well as play sessions in a securely fenced area. Remember not to let the dog off-leash, as even the best-trained dog can become distracted and not obey every command. Participating in dog activities such as agility, tracking, herding, and dock diving provides outstanding physical and mental exercise and is fun and rewarding for dogs and owners. Proper socialization is also necessary to ensure your German Shepherd does not become stressed or scared when facing new people or animals and seeing new environments.
Exercise Needs Overview
Energy Level
High
Exercise Needs
High
Playfulness
High
Intensity
High
German Shepherd Grooming
Full-grown German Shepherds are relatively large and have a dense coat, with long hair and short hair varieties. Their coat is easy to maintain with a quick brushing every few days to eliminate loose hair. They shed more extensively once or twice a year. To control the shedding, brush them more often during these seasons. The German Shepherd only needs a bath periodically. It is essential to trim its nails every month if they are not worn down naturally, as overly long nails can cause pain and structural problems.
Grooming Overview
Amount of Shedding
High
Tendency to Drool
Low
Easy to Groom
High
German Shepherd Health
Most German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs. A responsible breeder will screen their stock for health complications such as Degenerative Myelopathy, Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency, and elbow and hip dysplasia. German Shepherd Dogs can experience bloat, sudden and life-threatening swelling of the abdomen called Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, and pet parents should educate themselves about its symptoms and what to be done to prevent such conditions.
Health Overview
Basic Health
Medium to High
Weight Gain Possibilities
Low to Medium
Degenerative Myelopathy:Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disorder of the spinal cord, specifically the part of the cord that carries information to the brain regarding the hind legs. Dogs with DM behave as they don’t know where their back legs are and cannot move them well. The disease progresses to a case where the dog cannot walk. Most of the time, there is no cure, and the dog is put to rest. However, in a few rare cases, the condition is related to a lack of vitamin E or vitamin-12. If this is the case, vitamin supplements might uphold the situation.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is a pancreatic genetic disease in which the cells that produce digestive enzymes are damaged. As a result, the dog cannot digest and consume food. The first signs are gas, weight loss, loss of appetite, and change in stools. The dog becomes lean and very hungry. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency is diagnosed with a simple blood test, and treatment is simple as the pancreatic enzymes are added to the dog’s food. With proper medication guidance, most dogs recover.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat, this is a life-threatening disease that affects large, deep-chested dogs like German Shepherds, especially if fed one large meal a day, eat fast, drink large volumes of water after meal, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is swollen due to pressure with gas or air and then twists. The dog cannot vomit to get rid of the excessive air in their stomach, and the average remit of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure falls, and the dog goes into shock. Without prompt medical attention, the dog can expire. Suspect bloat if your dog has a swollen abdomen, is drooling excessively, and retching without throwing up. They also may be restless, lethargic, depressed, and weak with a rapid heart rate. It’s crucial to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Elbow Dysplasia: This is a heritable disease common to large-sized dog breeds. It’s caused by different growth rates of the three bones that make up the dog’s elbow, causing joint loosening. This can lead to painful lameness. Your vet may recommend medication to control the pain or even surgery to correct the problem.
Elbow Hygroma: An elbow hygroma is a fluid-filled (usually yellow to red) swelling occurring over the elbow joint. This problem is more commonly seen in short-haired, large breed dogs such as German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, mastiffs, and Great Danes. When these dogs frequently lay on hard surfaces, such as tile, hardwood floors, or concrete which repeatedly causes minor trauma to the dog’s thin skin over a bony prominence. They can grow about two inches in diameter. Regardless of size, hygroma is generally non-painful. Your dog may experience pain and discomfort if allowed to become large enough to the point of ulceration and abscessing. Your dog will probably not show any signs of illness or distress unless the hygroma becomes infected.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an abnormality of the hip joint where the socket portion does not entirely fit the ball portion, resulting in an ascending risk for joint dislocation. Hip dysplasia may occur at birth or in early life. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Some dogs exhibit discomfort and lameness on one or both rear legs. The Orthopedic Foundation does x-ray screening for hip dysplasia for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program. Dogs who suffer from hip dysplasia should not be bred.
Allergies: Few German Shepherds suffer from various allergies, differing from contact allergies to food allergies. Allergies in dogs are similar to those in humans. If your German Shepherd dog is scratching, licking at their paws, or rubbing their face a lot, suspect that they have an allergy and take them to the vet.
Bleeding Disorders: The German Shepherd is prone to a bleeding disorder. After conducting several diagnostic tests, the surgery is performed depending on the type.
Hyperadrenocorticism: It is caused by the malfunction of adrenal glands that produce excessive steroid hormones. The condition develops gradually and may be ignored, but one should be aware of the symptoms to prevent necessary damage. Symptoms include increased appetite, drinking, and urinating than normal.
Cancer: The German Shepherd has a higher life expectancy than the other breed, so they are prone to cancer as they grow older. Cancer can be cured by surgical removal of tumors and chemotherapy. It is essential not to ignore the symptoms and diagnose them earlier.
Anal Gland Problems:The area around the anus becomes inflamed or develops sores. The German Shepherd is more prone to this long-term disease. Symptoms include constipation, bleeding, licking of the area, straining or apparent pain when defecating, and smelly discharge around the rectum. Treatment includes lifelong medications and surgery.
Diabetes: Diabetes mellitus is a common disease among dogs. The German Shepherd has a higher vulnerability than other breeds. In diabetes, the dogs cannot metabolize the blood sugar, causing increased drinking, eating, and urination along with weight loss. Treatment includes medication and insulin injection.
Cataracts: It is a common cause of blindness in older German Shepherds. The lens of the eyes become cloudy and opaque. Treatment might require surgery for good results.
Pannus: It is a disease in which the inflammatory cells penetrate the cornea (the clear part of the eye) and darkens when exposed to ultraviolet rays causing blindness.
Epilepsy: It is of three types—reactive, secondary, and primary or idiopathic epilepsy. Reactive seizures are caused by the brains’ reaction to metabolic problems like low blood sugar, toxin or organ failure. Secondary seizures are due to a brain tumor, trauma, or stroke. If the above condition is not present, the disease is primary or idiopathic epilepsy. The signs of seizures begin as early as six months and three years of age.
Dental Disease: It affects 80% of pets by the age of two. It causes tartar build-up on the teeth, infection of the gums and roots, and in extreme cases, loss of teeth and damage to the kidneys.
Infections: The German Shepherds are prone to certain bacterial and viral infections such as rabies, parvo, and distemper. The viral infection can be prevented by giving a vaccination based on the dog’s age.
Parasites: The German Shepherds can be infested with worms, bugs, fleas, and ticks that can get into their systems through unclean water, contaminated soil, or bitten by an infected mosquito. It can also be transmitted to you and your family. Symptoms include discomfort, pain, and even death.
Obesity: It is a significant health condition in German Shepherds. Excess weight can cause joint problems, back pain, digestive disorders, and heart disease. The best way to prevent this lifestyle disease is a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Spay or Neuter: In spay, the ovaries or uterus in females is removed, and in the neuter, the testicles of the male dogs are removed. It is done to eliminate the possibility of pregnancy or fathering unwanted puppies and also decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancer.
National Breed Club Recommended Health Tests for German Shepherd
Hip Evaluation
Elbow Evaluation
German Shepherd Diet and Nutrition
Your German shepherd will need up to two cups of dry dog food twice a day, but this will depend on the dog’s age, size, activity level, and other factors. As they are prone to bloating and stomach torsion, avoid giving one large meal a day and having the dog swallow it down. Make sure your dog has access to clean freshwater. Observe your dog’s weight and address any overweight issues early. Obesity will reduce your dog’s life. Discuss nutritional needs with your vet to get instructions for feeding schedules and dog food types during your dog’s life.
German Shepherd Required Living Conditions
The German Shepherd will do fine in an apartment if properly exercised. They are comparatively inactive indoors and do best with at least a large yard.
Did You Know?
The German Shepherd is recognized as the 60th breed by the American Kennel Club, along with Doberman Pinscher and West Highland White Terrier.
The German Shepherd is known for loyalty and courage, and they can grasp, retain various training procedures required for the service dogs.
The German Shepherd has a unique stack or pose, in which one of its rear legs is extended and the other under the body as against conventional square (both front and hind legs are parallel) or extended pose.
The German Shepherd is called as Deutsche Schaferhund or GSD in German.
German Shepherd Club Recognition
ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry
AKC = American Kennel Club
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
CKC = Canadian Kennel Club
CKC = Continental Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry, Inc.
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
FCI = Fédération Cynologique Internationale
NKC = National Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel Club
GSDCA = German Shepherd Dog Club of America
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
Adding a German Shepherd to Your Family
German Shepherd Rescue Groups
There are countless German Shepherds in need of adoption and/or nursing, and there are several breed-specific rescue associations across the country that are listed below:
These groups can provide proper guidance with respect to adoption, and if you aren’t sure which breed is right for you, foster care to test if the breed is a good fit for your home.
