German shepherd: pros and cons

German shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. In addition, it is not surprising: they are smart, loyal, strong, excellent defenders, companions and friends. However, a German shepherd and its care, require a lot of time and effort. If you are not ready to allow time for them then it is better to wait with the purchase of the dog. German shepherd does not require too specific feeding; in this case, quality dry feed is enough. With care and bathing are minimum problems. However, it will have to walk at least 1.5 hours a day, if it lives in an apartment. In addition, the owner does not have to leave his dog alone for a long time. It is also necessary to train and spend a lot of time on games. If all this is for you, then you can read more: we analyze in detail a particular care of this dog and its characteristics.

Characteristics of German shepherd

• German shepherds weight - 55-65 kg.
• Height - 60 cm.
• It befits for:
• - active people
• - families with active lifestyles
• - the disciplined people
• - people with leadership qualities Shepherd
• Main features:
• - beautiful and a good physique
• - clever
• - faithful
• - hardworking
• - have a strong will and fearless when acting on behalf of the owner
• - obedient
• - excellent defenders and guards
• - are easily tamed

What do you need to know about German Shepherds?

Do not leave German Shepherds alone at home for a long time. They tend to interact with someone and be part of the life of their flock (the family in which they live, directly to the owner). These dogs are fearless and seek to protect their and owners homes - sometimes even too much. This is particularly evident in relation to children. Usually, these dogs treat strangers well, but if they feel the slightest threat to the home, they start barking. German Shepherds have a great intuition, instincts, and flexible mind. Many outdoors activities and exercises this is what makes them happy. However, even more pleasing to them are games with the owner, where the dog has a role and is given some purpose. German shepherd, which gets bored and has a little attention, could switch to the minor mischief: damage of furniture, chew your shoes and dig in the yard.

Care

Hair: the dog must be regularly combed with a special brush, which can be purchased at a pet store. Bathe it 1-3 times a year. You cannot do this very often, because its hair may lose luster.

Food: shepherd can eat quality dry feed; give it vitamins from time to time. In addition, these dogs eat meat and vegetables, but you should not be lazy and cook it all for them separately, rather than simply giving scraps from your table.

Accommodation: it is better that this dog lived in a private house. Therefore, it will be a place where it can run, and will always be in the open air. However, it is possible to get the shepherd in a large apartment. Then, you will have to walk it at least 1.5 hours a day.

Training: while shepherds and very smart dogs, they are not so easy to train. A dog can cheat and refuse to follow orders. The most effective teaching is with the help of awards - different tasty things for the right behavior. However, breeders agree that it is better to entrust the training to professionals, and often you just cannot get away with it.

Diseases: usually shepherds are strong and resilient animals. Therefore, they must go with them only once a year to the vet for examination and for preventive vaccination. However, sometimes puppies have congenital diseases. The common health problems of shepherds are dysplasia, spinal diseases, endocrine pancreatic insufficiency, ear infections, and skin allergies.

Thus, there are the following basic pros and cons of the breed:

• Pros:
• - easily learn
• - wonderful guards
• - like to control everything
• - can be a good friend for a child
• - can be wonderful companions for people with disabilities
• - fit well into the role of family members
• - can take your time and the time of children with active games
• - faithful
• Cons:
• - if you did not find the right way to the dog, it becomes extremely difficult to train
• - shepherds are too eager to protect the owners - sometimes from their own friends or guests
• - dogs are very active, and are not suitable for calm people
• - sometimes they bark a lot at the slightest threat
• - if the dog is bored then it can start to make mischief and spoil things.