German Shepherds Facts for Kids

Introduction

German Shepherds (also known as Alsatian by the British) are a dog breed that are known for being: 

• Easy to train as suggested by many trainers.
• Intelligent, this breed ranks 3 among intelligent dogs.
• German Shepherds instinct is to protect the person they are closest to which makes them loyal creatures.
• Obedient, they are ranked as very loyal companions.  

With proper care this dog breed can live up to 9-13 years and they are used heavily in police and military work. These dogs are large and athletic and they require rigorous training. 

What Does a German Shepherd Look Like?

German Shepherds can look different but they mostly are:

1. Medium to Large in size
2. They can be 22-26 inches (56-66 centimeters) tall 
3. They have pointy ears and long, soft fluffy tails
4. Females can weigh up to 22-32 kg 
5. Males can weigh up to 30-40 kg 
6. They have a thick double coat that feels soft to touch. They can be in colors of:
   • Black and tan 
   • Solid black
   • White
   • Sable 

German Shepherd Puppies

German Shepherd puppies are born with small floppy ears that stand straight as they grow older. Puppies grow up fast and need gentle training unlike older German Shepherds. Puppies are super playful and love to cuddle which makes them great companions for kids. 

Where Did German Shepherds Come From?

Have you ever wondered where German Shepherds originally came from? 

• German Shepherds originate from Germany in the 1800s
• They were first bred as herding dogs but later became military and police dogs. 
• These dogs were standardised by Max Von Stephanitz. 

Are German Shepherds Smart?

Yes, German Shepherds are ranked as one of the world’s top 3 smartest dog breeds. They can learn up to 250 words and pick up commands very quickly. This dog breed is used as:

• Police or Military dog
• Guide Dog 
• Rescue Dog 

How Do German Shepherds Behave?

The way German Shepherds behave depends on a lot of reasons like:

• How they receive their daily training and exercise.
• How they learn tricks of different sorts.
• German Shepherds are playful dogs and love to play. Your gentle training and playtime can largely determine their behaviour.
• These dogs are very active and do very well in open spaces. Their behaviour can change if they are not given enough exercise.

What Do German Shepherds Eat?

German Shepherds’ diet should consist of: 

1. A diet with high protein as they are active dogs
2. Their diet should avoid foods with fillers and additives like wheat or soy
3. Their diet should consist of fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6

Every dog needs a diet that follows its routine and training, so you will need to create a diet plan that supports your dog’s lifestyle. 

How to Take Care of a German Shepherd

Here is a list of tips that I figured out, these really help me take care of my German Shepherd:

1. This breed should receive 1-2 hours of exercise daily. 
2. You should take them on daily walks.
3. Spend plenty of time with them playing and training them with brain games. 
4. This breed sheds a lot so you need to regularly brush its coat 2-3 times a week and regularly during shedding season. 
5. Brush their teeth and trim their nails frequently.
6. Take your dog on regular vet checkups and get it vaccinated. 

Remember to be gentle and caring with your dog, and to not hit or verbally abuse them. These are loyal creatures and require soft training and love. 

Cost and Commitment

German Shepherds require a lot of time and commitment from their handlers. These dogs need proper training and affection to grow up as healthy and active breeds. You need to be specific with your training and create a plan that you follow through. Buying a dog should not be done without proper research that is required to take care of them. 

German Shepherd vs. Golden Retriever 

Checklist Before Buying A German Shepherd

German Shepherds should not be bought and left without training, it is very important you stick to a training plan for them. Here is a checklist that I would suggest you follow before buying a German Shepherd: 

1. Have enough time in your life to train and take care of a dog.
2. Learn how to do crate training and socialising your dog with other humans and animals. This is important for the safety of your dog and others. 
3. Dedicate time in grooming your pet like:

• Brushing their teeth
• Bathing them
• Cleaning their ears
• Cutting their nails. 

4. German Shepherds can be expensive dogs due their diet requirements and health issues like hip dysplasia or degenerative myelopathy. So you should be able to afford expensive treatments in case your dog needs them. Even if they don’t require major health treatments, vaccine shots and a protein rich diet is very important for all dogs.

Conclusion

German Shepherds are very kind and loving dogs, but they require a lot of exercise and training. This dog breed can be a good gift for older children as they can learn how to take responsibility for another life. They say that a dog is a man’s best friend and with care and respect German Shepherds can be great companions to you or your child. 

Facts About German Shepherds

• Trained German Shepherds can detect health problems in people.
• Did you know they can run up to 20-25 miles per hour?
• German Shepherds’ noses are 10,000 times better than humans. 
• Did you know German Shepherds respond strongly to the handlers mood and tone of voice?
• During World War 1, these dogs were brought to the West.

Frequently Asked Questions About German Shepherds

External Links

Wikipedia – The Intelligence of Dogs

Doggie District – The World’s Most Loyal Dogs (Is Yours One of Them?)