German Shepherds 101

Name: German Shepherd

Personality: German shepherds are highly intelligent, highly active, eager to learn and loyal to their owners, while also being approachable around strangers. However, all these traits can take a turn for the worse, resulting in wary, aggressive or destructive behavior if the German shepherd is not well trained. As a working dog, they needs lots of activity and stimulation, both physical and mental, to keep them happy.

Grooming: Nicknamed "German Shedder," the German shepherd sports a double coat that should be brushed a few times a week to keep the downy undercoat from matting (which can lead to skin problems) and to promote healthy shedding of the coarse tophairs. A shedding rake is the best tool for the job. Note that while the topcoat sheds throughout the year, the undercoat sheds, or "blows," twice yearly. Beyond that, German shepherds only requires an occasional bath.

Common Health Issues: Due to the dog's large size, hip and elbow dysplasia, arthritis and bloat are common later in life. The breed is also genetically predisposed to Von Willebrand disease, a disorder that leads to improper blood coagulating, and especially degenerative myelopathy, a progressive disease of the spinal cord that can cause difficulties in walking, getting up and even going to the bathroom.

Training Tips: German shepherds want to be in control, so it's critical that you establish who's in charge (you) early and often. As German shepherds will naturally test your limits again and again (also as part of its inherent control issues), you should consider training a part of your dog's routine throughout its life, not just during puppyhood: teach it new tricks and issue "sit," "down" and "stay" commands often. Because German shepherds have the reputation of being tough, physical dogs, conventional wisdom mistakenly dictates that it's OK to use hitting to train one. Not true. German shepherds are highly skilled at detecting differences in sound, so issuing a strict verbal warning in a different tone will be just as effective.

Best For: Active families, which will benefit from the German shepherd's loyalty, protective instincts, athleticism and desire to play a part in a busy "pack."

What German Shepherd Owners Say: "Our German shepherd is intelligent, loyal -- sometimes to a fault -- and extremely loving," says Paul Rebillot, of in St. Louis, Mo. "Training is a big concern since they are a large breed. In terms of breeding, he is relatively hassle-free, aside from bi-monthly nail filings." Having a sizable yard and/or daily walks are essential, Rebillot says; achieve that, and you'll have a "great companion; we wouldn't trade him for anything!"

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