German Shepherds are widely recognised as police dogs, film stars and loyal protectors. Behind their distinctive pointed ears, they are also sensitive, playful and highly vocal dogs with a long working history.
Here are 10 facts about the breed.
1. One man developed the breed for a specific job
In 1899, German cavalry officer Max von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein at a dog show.
He took the dog home, renamed him Horand von Grafrath and registered him as the first German Shepherd.
Von Stephanitz wanted to develop the ideal working herding dog. Horand appears in every German Shepherd pedigree today.
2. They were not always called German Shepherds
After World War I, anti-German sentiment in the UK led to the breed being renamed the “Alsatian Wolf Dog”.
The name remained in use in Britain until 1977.
In the United States, the breed was also known as the Shepherd Dog for a time.
3. German Shepherds are highly vocal
German Shepherds communicate using a wide range of sounds, including barks, whines, groans and grumbles.
Their vocal nature is linked to their intelligence, strong-willed personality and working-dog ancestry.
4. They have a strong bite
A German Shepherd’s bite force ranges between 238 and 300 pounds per square inch.
This strength is one reason the breed is selected for police and protection work. It also means early bite-inhibition training and socialisation between eight and 16 weeks are essential.
5. They were originally herding dogs
German Shepherds were bred to manage and protect flocks of sheep.
Their herding instincts remain strong. Owners may notice them circling people, nudging with their noses or nipping at heels.
6. German Shepherd puppies have floppy ears
A German Shepherd puppy’s ears usually begin standing upright between five and eight months.
During growth and teething, the ears may move up and down, flop sideways or appear uneven, with one standing while the other remains down.
7. They shed throughout the year
German Shepherds have a thick, dense double coat and shed consistently throughout the year.
They also “blow” their undercoats twice a year, during spring and autumn. This releases large amounts of loose hair onto floors, furniture and clothing.
The amount of shedding has earned them the nickname “German Shedders” and makes a regular grooming routine important.
8. They respond to their owners’ moods
German Shepherds are known to notice changes in their owners’ emotions, body language, tone of voice and scent.
When their owner feels anxious, sad or angry, the dog may reflect the tension or respond with calming, protective behaviour.
9. Mental stimulation helps tire them out
Physical exercise alone may not tire a German Shepherd.
A 10 km run may leave the dog ready for 12 km the following day. Scent work, training sessions and puzzle toys provide the mental activity they also need.
10. They rank third for working and obedience intelligence
German Shepherds are widely recognised as the third-smartest dog breed for working and obedience intelligence.
They rank behind the Border Collie and Poodle.
German Shepherds combine intelligence, physical strength and strong working instincts. They need training, mental stimulation, socialisation and regular grooming to support these traits.
Leave a comment