The ancestors of German shepherd dogs acted as both servants and companions to humans for hundreds of years. Developed from old shepherd and farm dogs, the German shepherd dogs we know today were first introduced in Germany in 1899. Captain Max von Stephanitz is credited with the breed’s beginnings.
In the course of WWI and WWII, the name “German” was discarded and the breed was known as the shepherd dog or the Alsatian (a term that is still prevalent in Europe). The German shepherd gained global popularity in the early 1900s and was formally acknowledged by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1908.
The German shepherd still remains a highly sought-after breed in contemporary society, being ranked fourth in the AKC listings. By combining them with Shiloh shepherds, the king shepherd was created. However, there has been some dispute regarding the creation of show dogs with a sloping back as opposed to a straight back, which may result in faulty gait and has faced notable criticism.
German Shepherd Care
Giving German shepherd dogs the necessary care, training, and attention is essential, but their loyalty and affection for their owners will last for many years. These canines are suitable for all kinds of families, but it is recommended to acquire them at a young age to allow for extensive training and adaptation to their living conditions with humans.
Exercise
It is crucial to provide ample amounts of exercise for the energetic breed of German shepherd. Merely taking your dog for a daily walk is insufficient, as they require more physical activity. If you enjoy jogging, your German shepherd can make a great running partner. It is important to allow your furry friend to run, play, and discover their environment to prevent them from feeling frustrated, bored, and possessing pent-up energy. Dogs who are restless may end up developing bad habits such as excessive barking, digging, and chewing.
It is preferable for German shepherd dogs to reside in a household with a secure area for them to engage in recreational activities rather than being confined to an apartment. Nonetheless, it is crucial to ensure that your dog receives ample care and is not left unaccompanied for extended periods.
Grooming
German shepherds possess medium-length hair that can be coarse or wiry, coupled with dense undercoats. To reduce their moderate shedding levels, their hair ought to be brushed frequently via regular grooming sessions. Even with this, prepare to have dog hair on your belongings, necessitating frequent vacuuming. However, the breed’s coat is naturally resistant to dirt and filth, which means bathing just once per month is sufficient. Frequent bathing would deprive the coat of essential oils that keep it healthy.
Make sure to trim your dog’s nails so that they can move around with ease. It’s important to brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week to maintain good dental hygiene. As these dogs enjoy chewing and have strong jaws, it’s recommended to have sturdy chew toys on hand.
Training
With appropriate training and socialization, German shepherds can be affectionate allies and guardians for families. They make an excellent pet for energetic households, and their sharp wits and defensive nature may make them the perfect option for families with kids (provided that the animal is trained adequately).
If not adequately trained and handled, German shepherds may display signs of anxiety or aggression. Ideally, these dogs must be taught to serve a purpose and will derive satisfaction from it. The breed’s intelligence and willingness to work usually facilitate training. Besides, it is crucial to socialize these dogs to avoid them feeling apprehensive or overwhelmed when exposed to different people, animals, or surroundings. German shepherds generally maintain a distant approach to new people and could be mistrustful.
In addition, German shepherds have the propensity to pursue smaller animals like cats and may not be a suitable choice for a household with multiple pets unless they are raised together. Furthermore, they may not be compatible with unfamiliar dogs, particularly those of the same gender, which could pose an issue when frequenting dog parks.
Common Health Problems
To preserve the breed’s quality, ethical breeders aim to adhere to the breed specifications set by associations such as AKC. Even though adhering to these standards reduces the likelihood of German Shepherd dogs inheriting health issues, certain hereditary health concerns may still arise. The list below highlights some of the conditions to take note of:
- Hip dysplasia : This genetic orthopedic disorder affects the hip joints of many large-breed dogs. It causes pain, limping, and degeneration of the joint.
- Elbow dysplasia: This is another orthopedic problem that is similar to hip dysplasia, but affects the dog’s front legs, rather than the back.
- Elbow hygroma : This alarming, but non-cancerous growth is a fluid-filled swelling over the dog’s elbow. It is usually caused by minor trauma, and although unsightly, normally does not cause the dog pain unless the hygroma becomes infected.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus : Also called bloat, this is a very serious condition that occurs when a dog’s stomach expands with gas or food and then flips within the abdominal cavity, cutting off the exits from the dog’s stomach. Bloat can be fatal without prompt treatment.
- Degenerative myelopathy : This progressive neurological condition affects a dog’s spinal cord. It starts with weakness in the hind legs and ultimately progresses to paralysis.
Diet and Nutrition
Your adult German shepherd should have two meals per day, consisting of up to two cups of dry dog food. However, the amount may vary depending on the dog’s size, age, activity level, and other factors. Canned dog food may also be mixed into the kibble for added flavor and interest. As German shepherds can be prone to bloating and stomach torsion, it’s best to avoid giving them one large meal a day to prevent them from gobbling it down. It’s important to ensure that your dog has access to clean, fresh water at all times. To avoid obesity, keep an eye on your dog’s weight and address any issues early on. For recommendations on feeding schedules and types of dog food throughout your dog’s life, consult your veterinarian about their nutritional needs.
BONUS: How to Choose the Best Dog Food
If things were perfect, every type of dog food would be of the same quality. However, dog owners are faced with numerous options, each insisting that they provide the top dog food available. This process of sifting through all the varieties to discover a dog food brand that is beneficial to your pet’s health, reasonably priced and appealing can often result in exasperation. We have gathered professional guidance to aid you in shortlisting your choices.
What Makes a Dog Food “Good”?
Dry kibble or canned wet food is commonly given to dogs by their owners. Although these types of processed foods may not be appetizing to humans, they do provide all the necessary nutrients essential for maintaining a healthy dog. Complying with strict regulations, quality commercial dog food has undergone extensive testing from veterinary experts. Therefore, what exactly comprises these dog foods?
Contrary to cats, dogs are not exclusively meat-eaters. Even though meat constitutes the biggest portion of their diet, household dogs can also obtain beneficial nutrients from grains, fruits, and vegetables. These non-meat foods are not only additives, but also a significant source of crucial vitamins, minerals, and fiber. An appropriate dog food will consist of meat, vegetables, grains, and fruits. The finest dog foods are composed of superior versions of these components that are suitable for your dog’s digestive mechanism.
Dog Food Nutrition
Your dog’s ideal food should satisfy his nutritional requirements. Although many dog food brands are created to meet minimum nutritional needs, keep in mind that each dog may require different dietary needs.
Throughout their lifespan, dogs need a variety of nutrients in varying quantities. As puppies and adult dogs have distinct nutritional needs, it is advisable to provide young dogs with either a puppy formula or an “all life stages” food. If you are uncertain about the contrasting nutritional requirements of puppies and adult dogs, the Merck Veterinary Manual offers a list of recommended nutrients and amounts, grouped by weight and age, for dogs. Dietary needs for large breed dogs and puppies differ from those for small breed dogs and puppies.
Dog Food Myths and Misinformation
Numerous incorrect beliefs and false information regarding dog nutrition exist on the Internet. To navigate through this misinformation, adhere to a basic principle: verify your sources. Several people with good intentions make assertions about dog nutrition without providing any scientific evidence. When conducting research, ensure that the information is upheld by a reliable source, such as a veterinarian, canine nutritionist, or scientific research. Being doubtful never harms; if something seems too incredible, it most likely is.
When considering dog food options, questions may arise regarding ingredients such as grains, peas, and animal byproducts. If a food allergy caused by grains has been diagnosed, a grain-free diet may be recommended by a veterinarian. However, grains and quality animal byproducts, such as organ meats and entrails, can also provide beneficial nutrients for most dogs. It is important to note that regulated byproducts do not include undesirable parts such as hooves and manure. It is always advisable to seek advice from a veterinarian regarding your dog’s food.
How to Read a Dog Food Label
Deciphering whether a dog food is good or bad can be achieved by reading the label, but it can be a challenging task as labels are often difficult to read due to small printed texts and the bulky size of dog food packages in stores. Additionally, labels may be deceptive as pointed out in the Merck Veterinary Manual. Eight essential details must be included on dog food labels according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and specific states may impose further labeling regulations.
- Product name
- Net weight of the product
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- List of ingredients
- Intended animal species (i.e. dog or cat)
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
Product Name
The name of the product provides significant information about its contents, particularly in cans or bags. When a product is labeled as “beef,” it must consist of a minimum of 70% beef. However, if the product is labeled as “beef dinner,” “beef entrée,” or “beef platter,” then at least 10% of the entire product must be beef. If the label reads “with beef,” only 3% of the product’s total contents must be beef, whereas “beef flavor” suggests that the product has a beefy taste but contains less than 3% actual beef. The same applies to other named ingredients like “chicken.”
Ingredients
The quality and origin of dog food ingredients cannot be determined from the ingredient list on the label. Manufacturers may divide ingredients such as corn into different types to balance distribution, which can lead to a lower ranking on the ingredient list. Meat can also be misleading as whole meats contain a high water weight, reducing the overall percentage of meat. In contrast, meat meal may sound unappealing, but it contains a higher percentage of actual meat as it is not affected by water weight.
Although the quality of the ingredients may not be revealed by the list of ingredients, it does indicate the food’s contents. This is particularly crucial for dogs with unique dietary requirements or allergies, as well as for owners who want to provide their dogs with particular fiber, protein, and carbohydrate sources.
Choosing the Best Dog Food
It is ultimately your responsibility as a dog owner to determine the ideal food for your pet. Being the one who interacts with your dog regularly, observing signs such as solid and healthy stool, good level of activity, fitness, and appetite can help you conclude whether your dog’s diet works well.
During this process, your veterinarian can be an invaluable asset. They possess greater knowledge about pet nutrition compared to a typical pet owner, and have access to research and resources that may not be available to owners. Your veterinarian can assist you in narrowing down your options, and should always be willing to address any questions you may have about your dog’s dietary requirements.
