The Beauty of Black German Shepherds

The Black German Shepherd makes a great family pet. He might be a little strong for small children, but with the proper training will become very respectful of the wee ones. He is a very loyal and watchful dog with a very pleasant temperament. He is extremely trainable and can be used for many purposes. The differences between the Black German Shepherd and the regular German Shepherd are very few.

The Black German Shepherd has kept the more traditional look of a German Shepherd through the years and he is larger then the regular German Shepherd. His coat can be short or long and flowing and his mane may be feathered or have skirting. His back is also straighter and he does not "cringe". Cringing is a typical characteristic of the regular German Shepherd. The only ailments you should be concerned about with the Black German Shepherd are hip and elbow dysplasia. With proper preventative care, this problem can be overcome.

If you wanted to buy a Black German Shepherd it would cost you between eight hundred and one thousand dollars. The darker the color of the coat and the more luxurious it is, the more expensive the dog will be. Black German Shepherd puppies are very plentiful and should not be hard to locate. They are the most popular dog in Australia. Their litters can reach up to ten pups.

In order to keep your Black German Shepherd healthy you must give him plenty of exercise each day. Do not confine him to a small yard, as this can be detrimental to the dog's temperament. Large dogs need big areas in order to run and play. Proper grooming is also recommended to keep your dog healthy. The grooming depends on the length of the dog's coat. Additional brushing is always recommended for Black German Shepherds during the molting season and cooler months. Bathing should be done monthly or if your dog likes to roll in the mud, then bathing should be done on an "as needed" basis.

The Black German Shepherd dog is a highly intelligent dog and should be trained accordingly. These dogs want to be trained because they want to please their owners. Because of their stable and good temperament Black German Shepherds have been used as police dogs, customs dogs, disability aid dogs, correctional services dogs, obedience dogs and companion animals.

These dogs are fabulous pets and are hard working dogs. They can be used in almost any environment because they are so versatile and obedient. They can be trained to do almost anything. They are great with children as long as they are given their boundaries with small children. They are very protective of the children in their home and make great watchdogs. What can't this dog do? He is characteristically one of the best dogs on the planet and should be listed as number on the breed list as man's best friend.

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How To Raise German Shepherds

German shepherds are loyal, faithful and loving companions. However, at times, this breed can be dominant and stubborn; behavioral traits that can result in aggressive behavior. Raising a German shepherd requires dedication and understanding of the breed. If the dog is well cared for, trained well and taught to socialize while it is a pup, usually there is no problem.

Here are some tips on how to raise German shepherds:

Buy the puppy from a reputable breeder. Ensure that the breeder gives you a health guarantee for at least 2 years. This guarantee will give you options in case the puppy is diagnosed with a genetic health condition later on. Also, make sure that the breeder has vaccinated the puppy and de-wormed it before you bring it home. Get copies of the puppy's health record. Find out whether the puppy was socialized while living with the breeder.

Before bringing the puppy home, make sure that you take it to a veterinarian for a complete checkup. German shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, allergies, pancreatitis and bloat due to indiscriminate breeding practices adopted by a few breeders. Make sure that you follow the vet's advice on these common breed ailments. Stick to the vaccination schedules set up by the vet and use the visit to get the dog checked.

When you bring the puppy home, begin the socializing process immediately. Let family members hold and pet the puppy. If you are going to the park, pet store or a friend's home, take the puppy along. Allow the puppy to experience different social settings, so that it gets accustomed to them. If you have neighbors or friends, who have friendly dogs and cats, try to get your German shepherd to socialize with them under supervision. Dogs that are not socialized tend to get timid and fearful of new situations, which can result in aggressive behavior.

One of the best ways to house train German shepherds is using the crate method. Also, the crate will provide a safe haven for the puppy when it wants to retreat or seek sanctuary. Line the crate with a blanket and place in a part of the house that the puppy can call its own. Let the puppy stay in the crate as long as it wants to. Do not force it out. It will make the pup insecure.

Show the puppy from the very beginning that you are the dominant pack leader. Usually, German shepherds try to take over the role as pack leader and the puppy may want to control you and other family members. If you allow the pup to dominate you, it will never obey you fully and could end up becoming unruly and aggressive. To establish your role as a pack leader, make sure that you do not allow the pup to sleep with you or climb onto the furniture. Feed the puppy after you have finished eating. Never let the puppy bite your hands while playing. This could lead to biting during adulthood.

Enroll the puppy in an obedience class. This will teach you how to train and handle your dog. German shepherds need mental stimulation, and if they do not get sufficient stimulation, they tend to become bored, which can lead to destructive behavior.

Groom your pup every day. Use a brush to comb the hair and prevent it from getting knotted and tangled. During spring and fall when shedding season starts, use a shedding rake to remove dead hair and reduce hair fall. Bathe the dog when it appears dirty or has an odor. Do not bathe it too often, as it will strip the natural oils from the fur and skin. Use dog shampoo and conditioner to bathe the pup.

German shepherds also have the tendency to become fat and therefore, require daily exercise. Throw sticks and balls that the puppy can retrieve. If you have a yard, allow the puppy to run and play. Playtime is special, as it allows the dog to bond with its family.

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German Shepherd Dogs - How to Improve the Breed

The German Shepherd Dog, not so long ago, had a reputation of being a breed of dog, not only beautiful in appearance, but also an excellent guard dog with a very strong protective instinct.

Unfortunately many German Shepherd Dogs today, particularly top show winners, cannot live up to this reputation. They appear to have lost the natural, in-born, protective instinct that was once a highly regarded feature of the breed. Many German Shepherd Dog are of very little value as reliable guard dogs.

A German Shepherd Dog with a strong protective nature must not be confused with and over-aggressive animal. This type of temperament is frequently the result of timidity and nervousness, rather than bold, self-confidence.

WHAT IS THE IDEAL TEMPERAMENT FOR A GERMAN SHEPHERD DOG?

Ideally, a German Shepherd Dog should be an extremely self-assured animal, a loyal companion, devoted to family members, excellent with children, approachable and tolerant of strangers, but with a natural ability to discriminate between friend and foe and an instinctive ability to immediately recognize danger when it appears.

With appropriate training a dog with this temperament can be easily trained to respond to dangers than threaten memembers of the family.

Years ago this was the type of behavior once could expect from most German Shepherd Dogs. Why has this changed?

One of the reasons for this is probably because many breeders of German Shepherd Dog, who concentrate on breeding dogs that will win at shows, are not paying sufficient attention to correct temperament.

There is no doubt that top German Shepherd Dog show winners today are more strikingly handsome animals than they have ever been. They are so uniform in appearance that judges, for the most part, are only able to separate them by paying attention to minor faults in construction.

Because gait and spectacular, ground-covering, side-movement is such an important factor in judging, breeders of German Shepherd Dogs concentrate on breeding dogs with dynamic, animated, energetic temperaments.

These are admirable qualities but not at the expense of other important features and certainly not by ignoring the protective instinct.

The controlling body for German shepherd Dogs in Germany, the S.V., has been aware for a long time there was need for improvement in temperament. For this reason a "test of courage" was introduced some years ago at the annual German championship - "Sieger" Show. Dogs in the open class are obliged to pass this test before being considered for high honors.

In this this "test of courage" all the dogs exhibited at the Show in the adult class are threatened, individually, with a stick by an "assailant", suitably protected with a padded arm and protective clothing.

This form of temperament testing has also been introduced in most countries of the world where German Shepherd Dogs are bred and shown. As a result there is a definite improvement in the temperament of German Shepherd Dogs; but there is still room for a great deal of further improvement.

This "test of courage" is a positive step towards the improvement of the protective instinct of the German Shepherd Dog. It is the best test that has been devised so far, but it is by no means a completely reliable test.

There are times when a German Shepherd Dog, focuses on the padded arm of the "assailant", which it regards as the "prey", to such an extent that it loses interest in the real threat, which is the assailant.

If in a real life situation, a real criminal - not the "trained assailant" - were to discard the "arm", it is possible, in many instances, that the dog would be quite satisfied to attack this "prey object", ignore the criminal and forget its real purpose.

It is also an unfortunate fact that in recent years, quite a large number of dogs entered in the annual "Sieger" Shows in Germany, failed to pass this "test of courage". At the 2007 "Sieger" Show, there were no less than 47 whose performances in this "test of courage" was not of a very high standard.

Last year, in 2008, the figure was somewhat better as there were only 36 who failed. This does show some improvement. It is disappointing to note however, that many of these animals, who failed, came from the very best show winning bloodlines in Germany.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION?

It is clear that if there is to be an improvement in the natural, inborn protective instinct of the German Shepherd Dog, breeders must pay more attention to breeding from animals with strong temperaments. They should concentrate on animals that have performed particularly well in the test of courage at Sieger shows and make use of these bloodlines.

This has now been made very much easier by the introduction, for the first time in 2008, of a new feature in the "test of courage" at the annual Sieger show.

For the first time, the Judge made special mention at the 2008 Sieger" Show, of the sixteen German Shepherd Dogs that performed best in the test of courage - dogs who responded best to the threat presented by the "assailant" with most marked enthusiasm and strongest evidence of protective instinct.

A list of these sixteen "best performing dogs in the test of courage" has been published by the German S.V. German Shepherd Dog enthusiasts, keen to own a dog that possesses the very desirable characteristic of a strong protective instinct, would be well advised to make a careful note of this list and study the bloodlines.

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How to Deal With German Shepherd Aggression

Originally bred to guard and herd sheep, German Shepherds are naturally athletic dogs. The fact that they are also highly intelligent has earned them the reputation of being ideal police and therapy dogs. They can also be the perfect pets if you know how to train and handle them properly. The sad thing is that many people buy them without first taking time to find out the best ways of handling this breed. This initial neglect often leads to the manifestation of negative behaviours such as German Shepherd aggression.

Take note that aggression is not a normal or typical characteristic of the breed, or any other breed, for that matter. Rather, it is the sad result of a lack of proper training. You have to remember that these Dogs were first bred to herd and guard sheep, so they are used to being leaders of the pack. To prevent German Shepherd aggression, therefore, YOU will have to firmly establish yourself as the pack leader and socialize your dog sufficiently so that he does not become over-protective.

German Shepherd aggression is often manifested through growling, loud barking, lunging, snapping, and even biting. Suspicion, wariness, and fear are the three most common causes of aggression. Being suspicious, especially of strangers, is instinctive in these dogs. It can be traced back to the times when these dogs were kept solely for guarding and herding purposes. German Shepherds are also naturally wary of anyone who approaches them while they are eating, so it is best to keep your distance during mealtime. Finally, German Shepherds often feel that the best defense is a good offense, so they snarl and bite whenever they feel that something or someone is about to hurt them. This makes socialization all the more important to prevent German Shepherd aggression.

Be sure to start training your dog at an early age because training can become more difficult and time-consuming if you start late. Starting late often means that the dog has already formed some bad habits that are a bit difficult to change and this may include German Shepherd aggression. While we mentioned earlier that you need to establish yourself as pack leader, this does not mean that you have to punish your dog harshly whenever he exhibits aggressiveness or any other unacceptable behaviour. Simply grabbing him by the scruff of his neck and giving a little shake should be enough correction, as this is the way it is often done in dog packs as well.

Just as bad behaviour is corrected properly, good behaviour should also be rewarded accordingly. Your dog must learn that while aggression results in scruff grabbing and brisk shaking, there are other behaviours that carry better results. Give your dog sufficient praises, pats, toys, and his favourite food treats whenever he exhibits good behaviour. It is also important that you give your dog enough exercise. German shepherds need at least an hour of solid exercise each day. This is a very good way for them to release pent up energy and prevent German Shepherd aggression.

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The German Shepherd Dog - Truly a Man's Best Friend

If it were really true that a dog is man's best friend, there is one candidate that will live up to that expectation-the German shepherd dog. This type of dog is noted for its vigor, agility, keen observation of its environment and a cheerful disposition. It is extremely intelligent that it is known for its exceptional trainability skills and workmanship as a partner during police search and rescue operations. German shepherds demeanor of obedience and showmanship makes it a well-rounded companion. It has as an ability to be affectionate to its master that it becomes comfortable and bonded to his family and demonstrates separation anxiety when apart from them.

A full grown adult size of a GSD is largely dependent on the genetic history of its parents. Its life expectancy is between 10 to 13 years old and between 11 and 12 years is already a considerable expectation. This breed of dog reaches middle age between 5 to 7 years old and considered collectively geriatric around 10 years old. Its calculated food consumption and exercise and nutritional concerns may show changes through this time period. An obvious development of stiffness in their joints may show pretty much the same with humans as they grow older. Bacteria from decaying teeth may also affect the health of the dog that is why there a need for oral hygiene.

Although a young one reaches closely to its adult height by 10 to 18 months, it will gradually continue to fill out until it is at least three years old. There is a bit of difference between a male and a female adult in terms of size and weight attributes. An adult male must range between 24 to 26 inches in size and weighs anywhere between 65 to 90 pounds according to standardized measurements. An adult female on the other hand tips the measure of 22 to 24 inches in size and weighs anywhere between 55 to 80 pounds. The size is based on the measurement of the shoulder blades of the canines. The emphasis on bulkiness and hugeness among this type of dogs is discouraged because there is no such "bigger is better" flair in German shepherds. This breed is not noted to have a big bone and muscular structure although a single inch or so over the tip of the standard may still be acceptable provided that the general lineage of its genetics is not out of the standard, consistently. It is still wiser for the part of a responsible breeder to breed with a lineage that is a bit smaller so as to adhere closely to the required standards.

It is technically best to understand that these types of dogs are calm in disposition and keeps a steady temperament when they are well bred. It is for this reason that they are called "seeing dogs". This is achieved collectively through a maintained routine of exercise, a work on mental stimulation, and a well-balanced food intake. These evident attributes of a German shepherd makes it a definitely pleasured possession when well trained. But still the intelligence and submissiveness of this breed can be hard to hard to achieve in the nurturing of an owner who is novice, irresponsible and negligent. Choosing a trusted and reputable breeder concerned with both the physical health and attributes of the dogs' puppies is of top priority. Different bloodlines may show traits and attribute differently so that it is best to interrogate breeders about the strengths and weaknesses of their lineage.

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Is It Advisable to Leave Your German Shepherd With Kids?

How safe is leaving a German shepherd with kids? Children all over the world love dogs as pet and yours should not be any different. If you bring a puppy when your kid is small, it can grow along with your kid and establish bonds of love and trust.

The behavior pf this dog with kids is mostly loving and patient and is considered extremely safe. These are intelligent breed of dogs and are affectionate by nature. Most dogs with kids will not openly display their affection and will be very protective when the kid is playing.

Although it is considered safe to leave them with kids, it would be advisable to supervise them while they play. Most pets tend to walk away when the kids pull their ears or tug at their coat. The German shepherd might not run and play actively with your kid and will have a more protective nature where they keep a watch from a distance. Their role is more of a guardian and not that of a playmate.

Most kids love touching and feeling the dog and it would mostly react in a patient and calm manner. However some dogs may also choose to walk away when the kid display lots of excitement while playing.

You would be surprised to know that each breed of dog has a different personality and their patience levels may vary a lot because of this. If you observe closely you would be able to determine the unique personality of your pet. While some dogs can be very playful with your kids there are others that would prefer keeping distance.

A German shepherd puppy may be more playful than an adult dog. These breed of dogs are considered ideal companions to humans and are always willing to please. They are large animals and you would need to consider this factor when you bring them into your family.

Depending on how they are bred and trained German shepherd with kids are very compatible. Good socialization and training will help these breed of dogs interact wonderfully well with kids. If the dog is socialized in the formative years, it would be best, especially for kids.

Although these breed of dogs are not very aggressive it would be best to supervise your kids when they are playing with them. Kids may sometimes provoke your dog into aggressive behavior as they children might not be very disciplined while they play.

Sometimes the exuberance behavior of your puppy or adult dog may overwhelm the kids and you would need to keep a check on them so that there is no harm caused in an unknowing manner. If your kid is very small, it would be best to avoid wrestling with this large dog as they might not be aware of their strength and would not be able to control it in an appropriate manner.

It would be advisable to slowly introduce your kids to the pet. German shepherd with kids are loving and caring and the bonds of love that will be established in their formative years can last a lifetime.

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