3 Simple Tips to Keep a German Shepherd Dog Healthy - Business

German shepherds are known to be one of the strongest dog breeds there is. German shepherds can be used as police dogs as well as pets. Either way, a lot of effort has to be put in to ensure they stay healthy. Here are 3 simple steps that will ensure your dog grows up strong and healthy.Observing its dietYouve probably heard of the saying you are what you eat. Well, this also applies to dogs and especially German shepherds. These dogs are known to be very active from when they are just little puppies. This means that they need their fair share of nutrition to ensure they are healthy. Whether the dog is a pet or used for detective work, the right food has to be given for it to grow up strong. When it comes to feeding these dogs, you can either use home made dog food or dog food brands. Either way you should ensure there is enough nutrients in the diet and that the dog is properly fed. Monitoring and medicine One way to ensure your dog is healthy is always looking for signs for abnormal behavior. Is the dog as active as usual? Is it eating normally? A change in these behaviors will often be a symptom of an illness. The sooner you take it to the vet, the better. Feeding the dog too much and leading it to an overweight body is never a good idea. The dog might develop arthritis and even heart problems if this is the case. Illnesses such as glaucoma, blood disorders, retinal atrophy and hemophilia are very common to dogs and you should know exactly how to tackle them. You could save money on vets by simply knowing what affects your dog the most and exactly how to go about giving it medicine.Exercise and cleaning Just like humans, dogs also need exercise to remain healthy. The good thing about dogs is that you can exercise them at any time even when you are taking care of your own chores. You could go shopping with the dog or simply visit the park. German shepherds are particularly very active dogs and you will enjoy taking them during these exercis es. If you have your children with you, a Frisbee will be very fun. Bathing the dog regularly is another way of ensuring it is clean and healthy. This can be done by the whole family together or you could take turns. Whichever way you choose, you will be keeping the dog clean and it will be familiarizing with the whole family.Finding a German shepherd for sale is easy just like it is finding any other dogs for sale. The problem is basically finding the right information that will help you know exactly how to take care of it. These three simple steps can draw the line between you owning a healthy and strong dog and a weak one.

German Shepherd - Man's Best Friend - Family - Pets

According to history, we can credit Max von Stephanitz as the founder of the modern German Shepherd dog. In the Late 1800's after purchasing what he considered to be the "perfect species" of dog, he spent years breeding the perfect breed of German Shepherd. It is said that all of the German Shepherds that we have today are the descendents of his dogs. The desirable attributes that he bred for are strength, loyalty and intelligence. He believed that the species should be bred to do the work of shepherding that German Shepherds were famous for.

Characterized by their medium/large size and perky ears, a typical German Shepherd dog stands between 22" and 26" tall and is between 49 and 88 lbs in weight. They usually have a domed forehead, a long, square muzzle and a black nose and because they are so popular, information about German Shepherds is pretty easy to come by, but vast in its depth. They are most popularly known today as a great family dog due to their loyalty, intelligence and protective, yet gentle nature rather than their work dog qualities for which they were originally bred.

A not so well known fact about German Shepherds is that they do have a long puppy stage when compared with other breeds. It takes a very patient owner and family to make a good match for this breed. Additionally, being a rather large breed, they require space for roaming and exercise in order to keep your German Shepherd not only happy but healthy as well. Their coats are made up of 2 layers, the outer being fairly course and highly water resistant and the inner being a thicker and more wooly texture which is soft and warm to protect the dog from the elements. They are a natural breed, meaning they require minimal to no clipping, just regular brushing to cut down on the mess around your house that their shedding can cause.

By Katie Ham

German Shepherd Plush & History - Shopping - Gifts

One of the world's most beloved dog breeds is the German Shepherd and German Shepherd plush are equally as popular. Like the breed they replicate, German Shepherd plush are hard to resist - their soft, plush fur make them ideal for lots of hugs.

The grace, strength and intelligence of the German Shepherd dog has ensured that it remains one of the most popular breeds, much valued as a guard dog, and for military and police work. This excellent working dog is the outcome of a breeding program started only at the very end of the last century. It began in 1899 when a sheep herding dog named Hector, was discovered by Calvary Officer Rittmeister von Stephanitz. Hector was akin to ancient herding breeds that were once native to northern Germany. The dog was renamed and eventually was officially registered with the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany. As a result of Hector's 'discovery,' he became the foundation for all German Shepherd's that followed. Then in 1911 the American Kennel Club recognized the breed.

After World War II, An American, Dorothy Harrison Eustis started a program to have German Shepherd's to assist the blind. The very first seeing-eye dog in America was a female Shepherd named Buddy. Afterwards, a guide dog school was established in Tennessee in 1929 by Buddy's companion Morris Frank.

German Shepherd's are easily recognizable; they're almost always black and tan in color (and sometimes all black, or sable) and have tall straight ears, dark eyes and a long full tail. German Shepherd plush are replicated to look exactly like the real thing and they can be purchased in any number of sizes. While the breed itself is large - males can weigh up to 88 pounds or more - some German Shepherd plush are made small enough to fit in a hand, making them a perfect choice for tiny fingers. For those with a penchant for something bigger, German Shepherd plush are also made in both sitting and/or lying positions. Either way, next to the real thing, any child would be very pleased with a German Shepherd plush animal as part of their plush toy collection.

German Shepherds are both dependable and intelligent. They are also beautiful, gentle and highly intelligent. They are hard to resist, if not for simply how smart they are. So if you can't get aGerman Shepherd puppy, why not get the next best thing, a German Shepherd plush dog?

German Shepherd plush stuffed animal - Shopping - Gifts

One of the world's most beloved dog breeds is the German Shepherd. German Shepherd plush stuffed animals are also just as popular. Like the breed they replicate, German Shepherd plush stuffed animals are hard to resist - their soft, plush fur make them ideal for lots of hugs.

The grace, strength and intelligence of the German Shepherd dog has ensured that it remains one of the most popular breeds, much valued as a guard dog, and for military and police work. This excellent working dog is the outcome of a breeding program started only at the very end of the last century. It began in 1899 when a sheep herding dog named Hector, was discovered by Rittmeister von Stephanitz. Hector was akin to ancient herding breeds that were once native to northern Germany. The dog was renamed and eventually was officially registered with the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany. As a result of Hector's 'discovery,' he became the foundation for all German Shepherd's that followed. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1911.

German Shepherd's are easily recognizable; they're almost always black and tan in color (and sometimes all black, or sable) and have erect ears, dark eyes and a long full tail. A German Shepherd plush stuffed animal is replicated to look exactly like the real thing and they can be purchased in any number of sizes. While the breed itself is large - males can weigh up to 88 pounds or more - some German Shepherd plush stuffed animals are made small enough to fit in your hand, making them a perfect choice for tiny fingers. For those with a penchant for something bigger, German Shepherd plush stuffed animals are also made in both sitting and/or lying positions. Either way, next to the real thing, any child would be very pleased with a German Shepherd plush stuffed animal as part of their plush toy collection.

German Shepherds are both dependable and intelligent. They are also beautiful and gentle. Unfortunately, mass production of Shepherds has resulted in dogs with some extreme health issues, most notably, hip displaysia. But, that hasn't stopped the buying public from purchasing these highly intelligent and gentle dogs. They are hard to resist after all, if not for simply how smart they are.

German Shepherd Dog: Facts You Must Know Before Adoptin - Family - Pets

Breed Description

The German Shepherd, also referred as an Alsatian, is a large dog that originated in Germany. As a herding breed, this working dog was originally developed to herd sheep. This large dog generally weighs between 49-88 pounds, and stands 22-26 inches at the withers.

Coat

A double-coated breed, the German Shepherd has a medium length fur. Their topcoat is dense, straight, harsh, and lies close to the body, while their inner coat is normally gray, and is not seen through the outer coat. This breed is known to shed a great deal, and requires extra care during these times. The color of their color varies. Most colors are acceptable, preferably rich and strong colors. Commonly seen are black and tan, gold with black discoloration, and sable.

Activity

German Shepherds require regular opportunities to spend their pent up energy and do stimulating things. Otherwise, they will become destructive, and show behavioral problems. A working dog, they are happiest when given tasks to accomplish. They need vigorous exercise, including securely leashed long walks, play sessions, and a large securely fenced yard to roam and run freely in.

Temperament

The German Shepherd is very active breed. They are marked by their willingness to have a purpose and eagerness to learn. They are naturally loyal, and bonds closely with people they live with. But, they can be overly protective of their territory and family, particularly if not properly socialized. With a generally aloof personality, they are approachable, however, not inclined to be immediately befriend a stranger. A highly intelligent and very obedient breed, some people consider giving a firm training, but according to research, they respond well to reward-based training methods.

Overview

The German Shepherd is highly prized for their versatility as a companion. In fact, they are the first dog used as guides for the blind. As they are working breed, they are well-known for their high dedication to work, making them among of the popular breeds.

Care

The German Shepherd is known to shed constantly and seasonally sheds heavily. Brushing daily is imperative to keep hairs around your home. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary, as too much may cause skin irritation that results from stripping the natural oils off their skin.

Training

The German Shepherd is among of the most intelligent breeds, and therefore known to be easy to train. As with other breed, training must begin at the earliest, and with consistency and patience. Due to their high intelligence, it is important to firmly train them from the very start as heavy-handed techniques will make this dog willful and stubborn.

The German Shepherd has been associated with being aggressive watchdogs, but in reality, this is comes from training. This breed is, and will always be protective and territorial, and will always be cautious of strangers, but they are never naturally aggressive.

Character

The German Shepherd exudes elegance and superior intelligence. They are athletic, inquisitive, powerful, reliable, and highly versatile. Aside from their spectacular appearance, they have extreme agility, endurance, and stamina.

Long Coated German Shepherds and White German Shepherds - Family - Pets

The German Shepherd dog breed includes various varieties and types. You are probably acquainted with a few of these dogs, which have attributes that are at a distance from the limitations of the standard, thus these distinctions are prohibited. There are two that are commonplace. These are the long haired and the white German Shepherd.

As an example, long coated GSDs are mentioned in the breed standard, but don't meet the model defined it, although all GSDs carry the recessive gene for long hair. Long coated GSDs are German Shepherd dogs, but since the long coat is considered a disqualification, they are not accepted as correct representatives of the breed.

These dogs are not admitted as suitable specimens of the breed mainly because they don't have the undercoat which GSDs with short hair do. Dogs with no undercoat are not waterproof. In a previous article I explained that GSDs were established originally as working dogs, so if they are not waterproof that would be a handicap to the dog's working ability.

Nonetheless, these dogs are being bred mostly in North America. Some breeders are solely devoted to breeding long coated GSDs. In Europe, there is a separate club dedicated to promote this variation of the breed, which is named the Old German Shepherd. Some breeders and owners just like the way they look, but others have different reasons to breed long haired GSDs; for example, that they don't shed as much as the short haired version.

There are two types of long coats:

I- The Long Smooth Coated GSD

These dogs have a weatherproof coat, but not as much as the medium smooth coat. Normally, these dogs have considerably longer hair in and behind the ears, and behind the forearms and loin area. The tail is fluffy and with a slight feathering underneath. Normally these dogs have a narrower chest and muzzle.

II- The Long Coated GSD

This coat is notably longer than the previous one and is normally very soft and parts along the back.

The white German Shepherd is another type of GSD which has a characteristic which is considered a fault. This variety is being bred in North America as a separate breed, called the American White Shepherd. The white variety is a GSD and inconsistent to what some people believe, it is not rare or albino. They have a white coat, dark eyes and have black noses and pads.

When the first German all breed dog show was held in 1899 in Germany, Stephanitz and his friend, Arthur Meyer were searching for a dog that was intelligent, strong and healthy. They wanted a medium sized dog with erect ears that had a weatherproof coat. A dog that was outgoing, trainable and friendly. They came across Hektor Linksrhein, who was later renamed Horand von Grafrath. This dog carried recessive white genes. Back in those days many herdsmen wanted dogs with white coats, because they were easier to differentiate from European wolves, which were darker. With Hektor as the basis for the breed, the white coat was an aspect that was enhanced.

In 1912, the first dogs of this breed were imported into the US and immediately, white puppies started to show up in the litters. In "The German Shepherd Dog" published in 1921 von Stephanitz included a photo of a white specimen, which was a direct descendant of Hektor.

In 1933, when Hitler declared a state of emergency and the German Nazi party took control of all aspects of the German society, they also took control of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany. After that, white coats were made a disqualifying factor in the breed standard. Although at that time Hitler thought that the white genes brought about color fading in regular dogs, now we know that the color fading gene is different from the white recessive gene.

In 1964, aficionados of the white Shepherd in California started the first White German Shepherd Dog Club. In 1969, the White German Shepherd Dog Club of America was formed.

The German Shepherd dog breed also has many varieties and types which are consistent with the standard of the breed and I will talk about them in future posts.

Puppy Vaccinations and Your German Shepherd Puppy - Family - Pets

Your German Shepherd should receive regular puppy vaccinations and it is vital to its future health that these stay current and up to date. Your GSD puppies health should be of utmost concern to you. You want a healthy puppy that is free of parasites and on good food. Nutrition is very important- especially in the first year of life.

There are many diseases that the puppy may come in contact with and it is these puppy vaccinations that help build resistance to the viral attacks.

Though there are multiple ailments and diseases, I will attempt to briefly list and discuss only a few of the more common ones in this GSD puppy article. As always, German Shepherd puppy vaccinations are the best preventive method.

Parvovirus (parvo). This is a very serious disease. It attacks the intestinal system and is a viral disease of dogs. Parvo is characterized by severe, bloody diarrhea and vomiting, high fever and lethargy. The diarrhea is particularly foul smelling and is sometimes yellow in color. Parvo can also attack a dog's heart causing congestive heart failure. Remember, without medical treatment, most puppies die from Parvo.

Distemper. This disease attacks every tissue in the body and may occur through inhalation of the virus in a contaminated area. Signs of the disease often resemble a bad cold with fever at first though the later stages may result in vomiting, high fever, diarrhea, convulsions and thickening/cracking of the nose and pads. Death is common and dogs and who recover may have future nervous damage. Simple puppy vaccinations are the best prevention.

Hepatitis. Spread through contact with contaminated urine or feces. This affects the kidneys and liver- often dogs will have high fever, lack of appetite, vomiting/diarrhea with blood, and depression. Often affected animals will have chronic health problems and recovered dogs will pass infected urine for months after infection. Again, vaccinations are the best preventive method.

Leptospirosis (Lepto). Affect the liver and kidneys and can be transmitted to man via contact with the urine of an infected dog. Signs such as vomiting and thirst, bloody diarrhea, depression, and jaundice may occur. Antiobiotic treatment is important though the best prevention is through vaccination.

Rabies. Transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, rabies is another disease that may be spread to humans. The disease affects the nervous tissues and causes paralysis and death (always). Again, vaccinations are your best weapon against this disease. Below find a brief listing of other common problems of which you should be aware.

Kennel cough. Kennel cough deals with bacterial and/or viral infections in the upper respiratory tract. Symptoms of kennel cough are a constant wheezing cough. Highly contagious as well!

Other symptoms to watch for in your German Shepherd puppy:

Vomiting. Occasional vomiting is not uncommon but consult your vet if the problem persists or if blood, diarrhea or pain accompany the vomiting.

Diarrhea. Can be caused by a number of things- viruses, food, internal parasites, and bacteria to name a few. Contact the vet if the stool is bloody, continues for an excessive amount of time, or if dehydration occurs. Once your pup has recovered, return it to its food slowly and in decreased but frequent portions.

Constipation. Can be caused by multiple factors also such as insufficient water intake, disease or ingestion of a foreign substance. While your vet may have to take blood tests to find the cause, usually a diet high in fiber and exercise will help prevent this problem.

Not to scare you in any way, I do hope this information will assure you of just how important those puppy vaccinations are to your GSD puppies (and your) health. Proper immunizations are the best prevention in the endless war on disease and may save your puppy, and yourself, a lot of discomfort, grief and pain- and possibly even death. Healthy and happy puppy owning.