People love German Shepherds because they can do so many different things. To show off their smart and versatile nature, fans of this breed made a sport called Schutzhund, which means “protection dog” in German. In this sport, dogs have to pass different kinds of tests to prove their skills.

These tests check things like:

• Smartness
• Eagerness to work
• Compatibility with their owner
• Bravery
• Proficiency in protecting
• Ease of training
• Sense of smell
• Determination

There are clubs and trainers all over the world where German Shepherds and their owners can compete in Schutzhund.

8.  German Shepherds Alternate Names

In the United States, we know these dogs as German Shepherds, but it wasn’t always that way. After World War I, people didn’t want anything to do with Germany, so in 1917, the AKC started calling them Shepherd Dogs.

This happened in Europe too, where they were called Alsatian Wolf Dogs. But later on, both Americans and Europeans decided to go back to the original name. So now, the official name for this breed is German Shepherd.

9. 11 Recognized colors of German Shepherd

When we think about German Shepherds, we usually picture them in black and tan colors. But did you know that the AKC recognizes 11 different colors as standard for this breed?

However, there are some colors that the AKC doesn’t like. These include white, blue, and liver. The AKC considers these colors to be serious faults.

Dogs with these colors can still register, but they can’t compete in certain types of dog shows where appearance is important.

For example, judges always disqualify white German Shepherds from shows because of their color. But dogs with undesirable colors can still take part in other types of competitions like obedience and agility classes.

Here are the colors that the breed can have:

• Steele Blue
• Gray
• Panda
• White
• Liver
• Black and Tan
• Sable
• Bi-Colored
• Black
• Black and Red
• Black and Cream

10. German Shepherds are Double-Coated and Shed

German Shepherds come in different types of coats. Some have short or medium hair, while others have long hair. They all have two layers of fur. The top layer, called the overcoat, has longer guard hairs that protect them.

Underneath, there’s a softer and thicker layer called the undercoat. This undercoat helps them stay comfortable in hot and cold weather.

Their fur sheds a lot, which is why they’re sometimes called “German Shedders.” To keep their shedding under control, you need to brush them often, like almost every day.

If you don’t brush them regularly, you might find dog hair all over your home. They shed throughout the year, but they tend to shed most heavily twice a year, during the fall and spring.

11. Third-Smartest Dogs

German Shepherds are super smart dogs! They might not top the list in the brains department, with Poodles and Border Collies ahead of them, but they’re still pretty clever.

According to Stanley Coren, who wrote a book about dog intelligence, German Shepherds learn new things really quickly. They only need to be shown something five times, and they get it right almost all the time 95% to be exact. That’s why they’re often used as police dogs. Imagine if all dogs were that good at following commands.

12. Size and Lifespan of German Shepherds

German Shepherds are big dogs. The males can grow to be about 24-26 inches tall and weigh between 65-90 pounds. Females are a bit smaller, measuring around 22-24 inches tall and weighing 50-70 pounds.

Usually, German Shepherds are healthy, but they can have some genetic health problems. They can live for 7 to 13 years if they get good care from the vet, exercise, and eat healthy food.

13. German Shepherds aren’t couch Potatoes

German Shepherds are super smart and full of energy! They won’t be content just lounging on the couch unless they’ve had plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep their brains busy.

If they get bored or spend too much time alone, they might get anxious and start doing things they shouldn’t, like chewing up your couch cushions or destroying your shoes.

These dogs need lots of space to roam and play, so a big yard is ideal for them. Obedience training, where they learn to follow commands, is important for German Shepherds.

Training them with fun tricks and positive reinforcement works really well. It’s also important to help them get used to being around different people and animals when they’re young.

German Shepherds are naturally protective, so teaching them to be friendly with others from a young age is important.

14. Famous German Shepherd Firsts

German Shepherds have had some amazing moments in history! The famous Strongheart, also known as Etzel Von Oeringern, was the first German Shepherd to star in movies. In 1921, he started his film career with “The Silent Call” and “Brown of the North,” and later appeared in “The Love Master” and “White Fang” in 1925.

Rin Tin Tin, a hero from World War I, became the most famous German Shepherd ever. He was rescued on the battlefield by an American soldier and starred in 27 films from 1922 to 1931. He even received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the first non-human to do so!

Apollo, a brave German Shepherd, was one of the first search-and-rescue dogs to arrive at ground zero after the 9/11 attacks. Within just 15 minutes of the attack, he was there to help despite the heat, smoke, and danger.

Alongside many other German Shepherds, he worked tirelessly alongside his handlers. Apollo almost lost his life due to fire and falling debris but survived and received the prestigious Dickin Medal for his bravery.

Trakr, another German Shepherd at ground zero, made an incredible discovery. He found the last survivor trapped under the rubble after 27 hours. These amazing stories show just how courageous and talented German Shepherds can be.

15. Courageous German Shepherd Far From Herding Roots

German Shepherds work as full-fledged police officers alongside their handlers to tackle crime. These dogs are selected for their agility, strength, intelligence, and exceptional sense of smell, making them valuable assets for police forces.

They excel in various tasks such as searching for cadavers, tracking criminals, conducting search and rescue operations, and detecting drugs and explosives. Their role is vital in maintaining safety and security in communities.

16. Adorable Head Tilt Serves Purpose

Ever wonder why German Shepherds tilt their heads? Well, according to the AKC, there are a few reasons behind this cute behavior.

One reason is that it helps them see and hear things better. When they tilt their heads, it might help them focus and understand what’s going on around them.

Some people believe they also tilt their heads when they’re trying to understand us humans. Whether it’s to hear better, see clearer, or just to figure out what we’re saying, seeing a German Shepherd puppy with floppy ears tilt their head is just too adorable.

17. Health Issues

Even though German Shepherds are known for their strength and overall health, they are still susceptible to genetic health issues.

Some common inherited conditions include:

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency a degenerative condition affecting the pancreas.

Hip Dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are genetic concerns that responsible breeders can screen for and work to eliminate. These conditions cause painful joint problems, affecting mobility.

Degenerative Myelopathy which leads to weakness in the hind legs. This can be identified through DNA tests in parent German Shepherds, allowing breeders to eliminate it from their breeding lines.

Von Willebrand Disease  an inherited bleeding disorder caused by the absence of the Von Willebrand Protein Factor.

Bloat is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with food, gas, and fluid, which is common among German Shepherds. Before getting a German Shepherd, it’s important to choose a reputable breeder who conducts necessary certifications and tests to identify any genetic predispositions in both parent dogs and puppies.

18. Utility and Intelligence

The German Shepherd breed is known for its motto: “Utility and Intelligence.” This reflects their journey from herding livestock to various roles like military, law enforcement, and guide/service animals. They’ve won many awards for their service.

But let’s not forget their sweet side as family members. They rank second among 193 AKC breeds, with 130,000 new registrations annually, loved by families worldwide.

Prospective owners should know German Shepherds need dedication and experience. They’re big dogs, so they need regular exercise and structure. While great at protection and affection, early socialization is key.

Whether as beloved pets, loyal companions, or working partners, German Shepherds are highly valued. Exploring more about the breed can help decide if they fit your lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Question

What Defines the German Shepherd Temperament?

The German Shepherd temperament is characterized by traits like loyalty, intelligence, courage, and versatility. They are known to be confident, alert, and eager to please.

German Shepherds also exhibit strong protective instincts and may be reserved with strangers while being affectionate and gentle with their families. Proper training and socialization play key roles in shaping their temperament.

How Rare is Black German Shepherd?

The Black German Shepherd is rare and valuable because it comes from a special gene. It’s a big dog, just like other German Shepherds. Only about 6.8% of all German Shepherds are black. Even though black and standard German Shepherds are the same breed, they have some differences.

What are Some Quick Facts About Huskies?

Huskies are known for their striking appearance, high energy levels, intelligence, and strong social bonds with their families. They were originally bred for sled-pulling and thrive in cold climates.

What are German Shepherd Puppies?

German Shepherd puppies are young dogs of the German Shepherd breed.

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