Taking care of a German Shepherd

A wonderful and loyal dog, German Shepherds are known to be one of the best family and guard dogs around. Originating from Germany, these dogs are a well known breed. Popular amongst the army and police, these dogs are also known to be trained as attack dogs, as well as bomb and drugs sniffing dogs. If you are thinking of getting one of these beautiful dogs, there are a few things that you should know when it comes to taking care of it.

Health

German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs. However, they are the breed that is known to be most prone to DM in dogs. This is a genetic illness that damages the dog’s nerves. DM in dogs develops when the dog is older, so as a puppy, there really is no way to tell if it will develop it. Another common health problem German Shepherds have is hip dysplasia, which is an illness that targets the dog’s hip joint.

Exercise

German Shepherds are active dogs. Since these dogs where bred as working dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep their muscles and bones healthy. You will need to invest a few hours every week to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting enough exercise.

Diet

A protein heavy diet is advisable for a German Shepherd, but keep an eye on their weight. Overweight dogs are more prone to illnesses and will have shorter life spans. Pick out dog food that has a good protein content or you can give them beef as a main protein souse.

Housing
German Shepherds can basically live anywhere. They are territorial animals so give them their own personal spot where they can sleep and lounge around. A big lawn is preferred so that the dog is able to run around and play, but they do not really have issues with living in apartments in the city.

Temperament and Training

These dogs have a pretty powerful bite so you will need to socialize these dogs with people and other animals at a young age. Fortunately, basic obedience training is a breeze since German Shepherds are ranked as one of the smartest dog breeds around.

Fur Care

German Shepherds have thick coats and they do shed, so get ready to clean up any fur that falls off them. Keep them clean by giving them regular baths and brushing their coats. They are not really that hard to take care of when it comes to cleanliness.