Considering I share my home with a dog that’s mostly German shepherd, I’m surprised it’s taken me this long to take a look at the breed!
I happened to turn on Animal Planet this weekend just as the German shepherd was awarded first place in the herding group at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship. These dogs are generally strong, agile, and alert. They are often used as police dogs, service dogs, and guard dogs.
In personality, they are generally direct and fearless without being hostile. Many German shepherds are known for being smart and easy to train… though I wouldn’t necessarily say the same of my Moose. He’s full of personality, but I’m not sure that he’s the smartest dog in the family. This breed is versatile, able to be courageous as a police dog and discriminating as a guide dog. It takes a certain amount of sensitivity and good judgment to be a good guide dog!
Males reach a height between twenty-four and twenty-six inches at the shoulder; females reach between twenty-two and twenty-four inches. In proportion, German shepherds are supposed to be longer than they are tall. The back slopes downward from the shoulders and ends with a down-turned bushy tail with a curve like a saber. The outline of the dog is one of curves, one after another.
German shepherds have a double coat. The outer coat is dense and can be wiry. There are many different colors of coat, but “strong colors” are preferred in the official breed standard. White German shepherds are actually disqualified from AKC competition. Blues and greys aren’t seen as often as blacks, browns, and tans are.
Shepherd lovers say that these dogs are dignified and can be a “one-man” kind of dog. Affection isn’t given lightly. Once given, it’s there for life. (Another trait that doesn’t quite describe Moose — he immediately loves everyone he meets.)