You probably have noticed that the German shepherd dog is a preferred breed in the police force industry and security agencies. It’s debatably the most playful and loyal breed. Having originated in Europe around 1899, this intelligent, obedient, and muscular dog breed is credited for its devotion towards its beloved owner. Owing to their background in herding livestock and guarding homes, German shepherds make a perfect breed for your security dog. Let’s explore some facts that you must know before taking a German shepherd puppy home.
German Shepherds Lifespan
While German shepherds have outstanding personalities, parenting them is a huge commitment. You will be happy to take your gorgeous muscular fur friend home. But, how long will they be part of your family?
Typically, a German shepherd’s life expectancy ranges between 9 to 13 years. The question is, why would one dog live for only nine years while another will survive all through to 13 years? Varying factors will determine how long your furry friend will live. These include;
- Dog’s size
- Medical condition
- Level of care
So, you can dictate your dog’s lifespan. Keep a shepherd in perfect shape, and you’ll likely beat the average age of your furry friend. Quality diet and staying up to date with the scheduled veterinary visits are the best tools within your control. You’ll ease the pain that comes with your German shepherd’s aging, and you’ll see your furry companion enjoy a long life.
How Fast Can a German Shepherd Run?
Do you think you can outrun a German shepherd security dog? This breed is known for its quick acceleration when in pursuit of something. If you are looking for an agile and strong dog with a fast, reliable pace, opt for shepherds; they make great sprinters. No wonder they are the dog of choice in security services.
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German shepherds can cover 30 miles per hour at very high speeds. Their trainability, agility, and strength make them an excellent guarding dog breed and their courage and loyalty appeal to many dog lovers. That explains why this gsd dog breed took the second position in an analysis conducted in 2019 of the 50 world’s most popular dog breeds.
Types of German Shepherds
If you thought you’d walk into a breeding kennel, ask for a German shepherd, and expect no more questions, you’re in for a shock. Wait until the breeder asks you, “What type do you want?” These ferocious furry guards are bred for show lines or working lines. Nevertheless, you can easily tell the different breeds by looking at the dog’s coat color pattern. Let’s explore various German shepherd dog breeds based on their color pattern.
Black and Tan German Shepherd
They make the most famous shepherds, commonly bred for show-line. You’ll notice variation colors on different parts of this dog’s body. The legs, neck, and underbellies are usually cream or tan, with a black saddle covering the dog’s neck to the tail and a black-like mask on the face.
Black German Shepherd
These shepherds are entirely black on their legs, tail, neck, and body. While some German shepherd similar breeds are confused for show ring dogs, to qualify for a show line with this breed, ensure your dog is purely black. A slight shade of brown on the feet, ears, or face may be confused for another species.
White German Shepherd
Their luxurious white coat and erect ears can easily be confused for breeds like golden retrievers. This pale furry friend is considered an albino dog, but the color does not impact this German shepherd’s temperament or fitness. Other breeds include; blue German shepherd, grey German shepherd, long-haired German shepherd, golden German shepherd, short-haired German shepherd, Isabella German shepherd.
Also read: Best Guard Dog Breeds
Do the German shepherd colors say anything about the specific breed? The choice of color should be more of the dog owner’s preference. Studies show that the dog’s coat color or hair length does not correlate with the shepherd’s temperament and talent.
General German Shepherd Information you Should Know
GSD’s don’t require regular baths to keep clean and neat but frequent grooming. Brush your furry friend’s hair 3-4 times a week, and your shepherd will always look tidy. In addition, ensure you wash the dog after extensive exercises or once a month. But no harm in bathing your shepherd more regularly; it keeps fleas away.
Your dog’s oral hygiene is also essential. Ensure you brush the shepherd’s teeth more regularly. Trim their claws and also clean their ears.
What Is the Difference Between a German Shepherd and an Alsatian?
German shepherds were common during world war one and were the security dogs used by the Germans and British to counter the opponent. But British soldiers wanted to differentiate themselves from the Germans, so they named their shepherds’ Alsatians. Thus, they are the same dog.
Get Your German Shepherd Guard Dog
Looking to purchase a German shepherd for security and companionship but can’t devote adequate time to train your dog the necessary guarding techniques? You can entrust your security needs to the Mec security company. They have well-trained guard dogs to keep you, your family, and your property safeguarded 24/7.