German Shepherds 101
Herding groupCourage, intelligence and athleticism are the standout qualities of the German Shepherd Dog, a versatile breed popular as a reliable partner in military and law enforcement, as well as a devoted, protective family dog. The German Shepherd is also common in search-and-rescue work and dog sports.
Despite their reputation for seriousness, they can be playful, even silly, with their people. A sense of humor is required for their families, too, along with a powerful vacuum cleaner for a breed lovingly called the “German Shedder.”
What we love about German Shepherds
Versatile breed with dry sense of humor
GSDs have split into two types, with the arch-backed show-line dogs often criticized for structural issues uncommon in the working line dogs. Both types do best with consistent, clear training and handling.
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Rin Tin Tin, a German Shepherd Dog rescued from a bombed-out kennel in World War I, was the first canine celebrity of the modern media age. He was so popular that a late rule change was put in place to prevent him from winning the first Academy Award for Best Actor.
German Shepherd coat care and colors
Ask anyone with a German Shepherd Dog how much they shed and chances are you’ll be told that the breed’s nickname is “German Shedder.” These dogs do shed an astonishing amount, as brushing sometimes ends with a pile of fur larger than many smaller dogs. The only way to fight it is by brushing and combing to get loose fur before it ends up on furniture, rugs, clothes … well, everything, really. Combing down to the skin is essential to prevent matting. German Shepherds are stoic dogs, so they may be more tolerant of nail trims than many other dogs. Acclimating puppies to having their feet handled and nails clipped or ground down is key to making future nail trims easier on everyone.
How often should I groom my German Shepherd?
How can I manage shedding in my German Shepherd?
What type of brush or comb is best for German Shepherds?
German Shepherd exercise & training
German Shepherd fun facts
Top girl names for German Shepherds
Top boy names for German Shepherds
Nationwide loves German Shepherds of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer
Other breeds like German Shepherds
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