There’s no companion like a dog. It puts on a sad, puppy face when you leave for the day and then greets you with over-the-top love when you return home. The right dog can become your best friend.
If you’re looking for a smart, loyal companion, a German shepherd fits the bill. Here are a few German Shepherd facts that prove why they’re one of the most popular breeds on the American Kennel Club’s annual list.
- Intelligent
One of the top ten smartest dog breeds, the German shepherd is a highly intelligent breed of dog. German shepherds typically have fast memory, retaining commands quickly. They’re also typically easy to train, thus making them an ideal service animal.
We often see German Shepherds service as seeing-eye dogs, therapy dogs, medical assistance dogs, and police dogs. Their constant obedience makes them ideal for service.
Their keen senses along with responsiveness to commands have made them the best drug dogs.
On the downside, because a German Shepherd dog is so smart, if you do not keep it entertained, it can quickly become bored. And boredom can often yield trouble.
- German Shepherds Are Friendly and Loyal
German shepherds love people and have a ton of energy.
While they’re wary of strangers at first, a German Shepherd can quickly warm up to people once individuals garner trust. And once a German Shepherd identifies its owner, the GSD will display some intense loyalty.
German Shepherds have an abundance of energy and a need for socialization. If you plan on getting one, plan on going for walks daily.
Do not keep the German Shepherd cooped up in a crate for long periods of time. It needs you and your family to keep it socialized.
Learn more about American Service Pets.
- German Shepherds Protect Their Owners
German Shepherds are natural guard dogs.
While some may look at the German Shepherd temperament as aggressive, the fierceness typically comes from their loyalty. Their territorial nature makes them a fearless protector of their owner. Thus, German Shepherds make great guard dogs for your family.
If you adopt your German Shepherd as an adult dog, do some research on its history if you can. If the dog has not received proper socialization as a puppy, it may display aggressive tendencies toward guests and other dogs on your property.
If you adopt a German Shepherd puppy, make sure you take it out often to visit different people and dogs. Socialize your puppy before it turns more aggressive.
- German Shepherds Have a History
German Shepherds have a noble history. They were pioneers as service dogs as the first seeing-eye dogs. In 1927 scientists trained German Shepherds to be seeing-eye dogs for WWI veterans who had lost their sight in combat.
In Europe German Shepherds were war dogs, working for the German military in the early 1900s. They carried ammunition, guarded camps, conducted search and rescue, and acted as messengers.
American GIs recognize the heroism of the breed on the battlefield and thus brought a few dogs back home. After this, the German Shepherd breed’s popularity and population increased.
- German Shepherds Have Health Concerns
Like all dogs, German Shepherds have health concerns specific to their breed. Most commonly, German Shepherds suffer from ear infections, skin allergies, and pyoderma or hot spots. On a more severe side, they can suffer from osteoarthritis and degenerative arthritis.
Hug a German Shepherd
These German Shepherd fun facts should help you recognize the nobility of the breed. German Shepherds are these lovable, huggable service dogs. They’re made to work and serve as loyal companions.
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