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German Shepherd
The German Shepherd's a breed that's all about loyalty and brains. They're super trainable, which is why you'll often see them working as police dogs or guiding the blind. They're a popular choice for families and working roles because of their intelligence and eagerness to please. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive in a variety of living situations and make great companions for active owners. German Shepherds are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues if not properly cared for. They're a big responsibility, but if you're up for the task, they'll be your loyal companion for years to come.
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Our German Shepherd Adventure: Lessons Learned and Quirks Galore
summarizeEditor's Summary
Life with our new furry friend has been a wild ride - we adopted a German Shepherd pup to keep my mom company after her old dog passed away. It's been an adventure, to say the least. From the joys of training to the frustrations of puppy accidents, we've learned a thing or two about what it takes to raise a happy and healthy German Shepherd. With their high energy levels and strong will, it's no wonder they're often referred to as 'velcro dogs.' But with patience, love, and the right training, they can become loyal companions and protectors. We've had our fair share of ups and downs, but the good definitely outweighs the bad. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and respond well to training, making them a great choice for active families or individuals. They're relatively easy to groom, with short coats that require minimal maintenance, and they're generally healthy dogs, with an average lifespan of 9-13 years. However, they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, and their high energy levels can be overwhelming for inexperienced dog owners. They shed heavily, especially during shedding season, and they can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and digestive problems. But with the right care and attention, they can thrive and become wonderful companions.
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Kararİyi
Hizmet9/10
Kalite8/10
Dönüşüm7/10
Life with our new furry friend, a German Shepherd pup, has been a wild ride.It all started when my mom's old dog passed away. He was a 15-year-old mutt who had been with us for a long time, through the good times and the bad. He was a great protector, and we loved him dearly.
After my mom was left alone, and my dad passed away, our first thought was to get another dog to keep her company. We only visit on weekends, and she needed someone to be with her during this tough time.
My mom's dream was to have a German Shepherd, so we went with that. I have to admit, it was a bit of an impulsive decision.
We visited a few breeders, and the prices ranged from 5 to 50 thousand rubles. But my brother found a breeder on Avito, and we ended up getting a puppy from them. We didn't really ask any questions, to be honest – we just wanted to get a dog as soon as possible.
We picked her up for 10,000 rubles, without documents but with all the vaccinations. For us, this turned out to be very convenient, as I also picked up my German boxer Schultz for this amount, but without documents and with a huge wagon of problems.
But now that's not the point.
We took the little one very small, 1.5-month-old girl, who was eating everything at the time.
For a person who has always dreamed of a German Shepherd, this review might be useful.
Here I'll tell you about the problems we encountered, adaptation, acquaintance, and getting used to two dogs.
I've gotta say, we found out that there's an overwhelming number of Shepherds - from smooth-coated to long-coated, show lines to working lines, and a million other variations.
Our show dog is a black one with a reddish tint, and she's got a rounded back - she's perfect for walking around dog shows and whatnot. You could even film a whole series with this breed.
But what we really needed was a companion dog and a guardian.
A companion dog. A guardian.
We know firsthand what it's like to have a dog in the house - especially when they're growing up and teething. But our families, including my brother's, have no idea what that's like. So, we've had to share a lot of our expertise with them.
We've been helping out a lot with advice and more.
One thing that's been really important to me is how well our dogs get along. Our Shultz is a male, and we've named our female pup Gerda.
I was blown away by how chatty this dog is - every move, every game, every little action is accompanied by barking, whining, and panting!
When they're demanding treats, they whine and pester us.
When they're running around the backyard, the barking is so intense - especially when they're yelling behind the fence, it's enough to scare people!
Gerta is like a sly fox - super clever and stubborn. She'll lick your face until she gets what she wants, and then suddenly she's like she's never met you before!
I've gotta say, this pup had a ton of energy, especially when she was a little ball of fluff. Her mom was struggling to keep up, so we'd bring over our other dog, Schultz, and they'd play together. He taught her all sorts of tricks, and she taught him how to dig holes - it was hilarious!
She's got a great attention-getting trick - she'll literally beg for it. When it's time for dinner, she won't beg for food, but she'll sit there, demanding attention and affection.
As time went on, we noticed she's really taken to her mom as the main authority figure, and us just as regular visitors - it's clear how loyal she is to her mom.
I've noticed that when my mom leaves for work, the dog gets a bit anxious, but since she lives in a private house, that's not a problem. I've come to the realization that I probably won't get a German Shepherd for an apartment, not because of the size, but because of the constant barking.
When my mom comes home, it's a whole different story. The dog is overjoyed, barking and whining with excitement. We've found that if we give her a treat as soon as she comes in, she calms down and doesn't jump around or make a mess.
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The one thing that really stands out to me is that she's terrified of the dark. I wouldn't say she's skittish, but she does have one major fear.
During the day, she's always with us in the backyard, off-leash and without a kennel. Since our yard is fenced in, there's no risk of her hurting anyone, and strangers won't be able to get in. But at night, she sleeps indoors, next to our bed on a dog bed.
I've noticed that when we come home with the family, Schultz will sometimes sleep with us, but when she sees that, she'll go lie down at mom's feet and only do it when she's asleep, so she doesn't get scolded or kicked out.
She picks up commands really well and is easy to train, yes, there are some difficulties, but after a few repetitions, she remembers the commands or when she jumped up on the table, we scolded her, of course, without raising our hands, because I don't condone hitting animals, and she immediately learned that and stopped putting her paws on the table and stealing food.
For us, it was tough to teach her to jump over the hurdle, we had to jump with her, with a snack in our hand, of course, for praise, but eventually, she learned it, and now we're worried if she starts jumping over the fence.
Gerda is afraid of thunderstorms and fireworks, although when she was a puppy, we would almost every weekend give her to pop balloons with loud noises to get her used to loud sounds, but it didn't work out. Oh well, the main thing is that she doesn't pee when the sounds happen.
I'm relieved to say that Gerda gets along with our Shultz, and there's no aggression between them (thank goodness!). Shultz isn't really interested in Gerda as a potential mate, but I worry that might change once Gerda's in heat.
Gerda's also super calm around our cats.
But when we tried to test her protective instincts by having me approach her mom, Gerda went on high alert and chased me. Luckily, I was wearing a thick sweatshirt, so I didn't feel the full force of her nip.
We've since stopped testing her like that, and now we keep a close eye on her whenever we're around her mom.
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Her protective instincts are top-notch.
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One thing to note is that our friend stays over at our place at night, so there's always some cat hair around. Since Gerda's a long-haired breed, it's a bit of a challenge to keep the floors clean. We have to vacuum first, then use a damp cloth to pick up any stray hairs before mopping.
Gerda's not afraid of water, so cleaning her up is a breeze.
However, she can be a bit of a handful when it comes to grooming - her fur gets matted easily, and she's developed some nasty-looking knots on her rear end.
I've noticed that after baths, my dog takes an incredibly long time to dry off - sometimes up to a day. It's like the top layer is dry, but if you stick your finger in the undercoat, it's still all wet.
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Also, her fur makes her really sensitive to heat. Now that we've got the heating on, my friend can literally open all the doors at night and go outside, and then come back in when she's cooled down.
We were totally shocked the first time we realized this, and now we always lock the house.
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There is a smell, especially when she's sweating. It's just a dog smell, I'd say a bit like a pug.
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We don't have any health issues, touch wood, but that's just a bonus.
She's got the same stomach problems, so we're always at home with Pedialyte.
The vet warned us about her back and paws too.
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We're really happy to have this dog, even with all the quirks. And even in the tough times, we've never thought about taking her back to the breeder.
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That's our story.
I'm not sure if I'd recommend this breed to anyone - every dog needs a special approach.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
German Shepherds require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, including walks, runs, and playtime.
Are German Shepherds good with children?
German Shepherds are generally excellent with children, but as with any breed, it's essential to socialize them properly and teach children how to interact with dogs safely.
Do German Shepherds shed a lot?
Yes, German Shepherds shed heavily, especially during shedding season. Regular grooming can help reduce shedding and prevent matting.
Are German Shepherds prone to health issues?
German Shepherds can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and digestive problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet can help prevent or manage these issues.
How often should I train my German Shepherd?
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and respond well to training. Aim for regular training sessions, ideally 2-3 times per week, to help them learn new skills and behaviors.
Can I leave my German Shepherd alone for long periods?
While German Shepherds are generally adaptable, they do require attention and social interaction. Leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to behavioral problems and separation anxiety.
How much does a German Shepherd cost?
The cost of a German Shepherd can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodlines. On average, you can expect to pay between $500-$1,500 for a puppy.
What is the average lifespan of a German Shepherd?
The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is 9-13 years, depending on factors such as diet, exercise, and health conditions.
Can German Shepherds be apartment dogs?
While German Shepherds can thrive in apartments, they do require regular exercise and attention. If you live in an apartment, consider investing in a dog walker or hiring a dog sitter to provide your German Shepherd with the exercise and socialization they need.
check_circlePros
- •Their loyalty and protective nature make them excellent companions.
- •German Shepherds are highly intelligent and respond well to training.
- •Their high energy levels make them perfect for active families or individuals.
- •They're relatively easy to groom, with short coats that require minimal maintenance.
- •German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, with an average lifespan of 9-13 years.
- •Their strong sense of loyalty and protective nature makes them excellent watchdogs.
- •They're great with children, as long as they're socialized properly and taught how to interact with dogs safely.
- •German Shepherds are highly trainable, which makes them a great choice for first-time dog owners.
cancelCons
- •German Shepherds require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
- •Their high energy levels can be overwhelming for inexperienced dog owners.
- •They shed heavily, especially during shedding season.
- •German Shepherds can be prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and digestive problems.
- •Their strong will can make them challenging to train for inexperienced owners.
- •They require regular socialization to prevent behavioral problems.
- •They can be destructive if left alone for extended periods without proper training and exercise.
- •German Shepherds may not be the best choice for apartment living, due to their high energy levels and shedding.
