Size

In terms of size, the physical characteristics of female and male German Shepherds differ significantly. While the height of a female German Shepherd is 55-60, a male German Shepherd often reaches 60-65 centimeters. As for the length, the female German Shepherd length varies in the range of 91-99 centimeters. In the case of a male German Shepherd, this figure reaches 99-108 centimeters.

Weight

Individual cases of German Shepherd weight are determined by genetics, health, and feeding habits. However, an adult male German Shepherd usually weighs between 30 and 41 kilograms. In the case of a female German Shepherd, this indication is slighter and amounts to 23-32 kilograms.

Lifespan

The life expectancy of a German Shepherd varies from 9 to 13 years and is equivalent to about 61-82 years of human life. Nevertheless, remember that these figures are conditional since the life expectancy of an important member of the life expectancy of your beloved companion depends on a healthy lifestyle and a harmonious living environment.

Fur

The German Shepherd is adorned with a medium-length, double coat. The upper layer of the fur coat is denser and rougher than the lower layer. It is a well-known fact that the German Shepherd is distinguished by a special tendency to seasonal fur loss. That’s exactly why, in spring and autumn, when the intensity of shedding increases, we recommend repeating the combing procedure daily. As for winter and summer, during this period it is perfectly reasonable to brush your companion animal’s fur only once a week.

The German Shepherd is a loyal and loving companion which shows special delicacy towards children. Due to their unique physical and personality characteristics, the German Shepherd is often employed for police, military, and border purposes.

It is a widely recognized fact that the German Shepherd requires active mental and physical exercise. But still, it should be noted that these unique companion animals can only be trained with patience and positive reinforcement. In the case of early socialization, the protective instincts of the German Shepherd are perfectly expressed in self-confidence and calmness.

All things considered, if you are a person with an active lifestyle and are looking for a faithful life companion, the German Shepherd is the ideal choice for you!

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

German Shepherds can be born with a genetic health condition known as hip dysplasia. This medical constraint involves a misalignment of the hip ball and pelvis joints and results in symptoms such as lameness and decreased physical activity levels. Unlike hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is associated with improper development of the elbow during babyhood.

If you notice that your beloved companion is experiencing discomfort related to limb immobility and movement, be sure to immediately visit a veterinarian. Whether it’s medical treatment, physical therapy, or surgical intervention, the knowledge and experience of a specialist will make the decision-making process especially easy for you.

Fortunately, German Shepherds who have to deal with this health condition, thanks to the support and competent care of their family members, can preserve the old pace of life and create moments full of happiness.

Bloating

While bloat is considered a harmless problem for humans, it can even be fatal in companion animals. Stomach bloating caused by excess air inhaled during eating or exercise often requires immediate medical attention. To prevent the problem, it’s wise to pay attention to symptoms such as vomiting, a full stomach, or excessive salivation. If you notice any signs, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

To avoid bloat, it is advisable to divide the daily ration of your loyal companion’s food into at least two meals. It’s recommended that you also pay attention that your furry friend doesn’t drink a lot of water after eating. To avoid bloating and swallowing food quickly, competent parents often prefer special cups with a raised center. You can buy them at any pet store near your accommodation.

Myelopathy

Myelopathy significantly damages the spinal cord of our devoted companions. Clear signs of this genetic disorder incorporate difficulty in maintaining balance and problematic movement. Although myelopathy in German Shepherds is incurable, there are many things that responsible parents can do for their beloved family members to make their lives more comfortable and delightful. In such cases, consultation with a veterinarian is the best solution.

Eye Problems

German Shepherds are also characterized by vision problems. But, don’t worry, detecting this problem at an early stage can lead to an effective treatment. It’s advisable to focus on the accompanying symptoms of the problem, such as difficulty avoiding physical obstacles, excessive tearing, and obvious discomfort caused by bright lights. Your attention to detail as a competent parent will allow the veterinarian to stop the progression of the disease at an early stage of development and significantly improve your beloved friend’s vision.

Allergic Background

Your companion animal may develop an allergic reaction to certain foods over time. Food allergies in German Shepherds are most often associated with wheat, eggs, soy, and milk. Symptoms characteristic of this type of allergy often appear on the skin and digestive system.

Along with food, environmental pathogens such as dust, perfume, or aerosols may also trigger an allergic reaction in companion animals. Environmental pathogens can cause wheezing, itching, sneezing, and even a sharp drop in energy levels. As for insect bites, the German Shepherd is particularly allergic to flea bites. Along with itching, flea bites also leave red spots on the skin of the companion animal.

The accompanying symptoms of an allergic reaction are initially manifested in a mild form, however, over time, the discomfort increases significantly. We advise that you carefully observe your companion animal and immediately consult a veterinarian in case of severe allergy symptoms. To determine the cause of the allergy, the veterinarian may suggest blood, saliva, or skin tests.

Competent parents usually pay special attention to the nutritional needs of their beloved family members and take a thorough curiosity in how to feed their faithful companions. Since we are sure that you are one of the responsible parents, we are delighted to share with you some useful information and tell you that German Shepherds need food rich in protein and fat.

While fats support healthy brain, skin, and eye function, protein is an essential building block for your furry friend’s tissue. Similarly, carbohydrates are no less important for the well-being of our beloved companion animals.

As mentioned, German Shepherds are genetically vulnerable to specific health problems. That’s why your companion animal needs to avoid dry food with high fat content. As a rule of thumb, the amount of food you offer your German Shepherd based on its weight, energy level, age, and reproductive status should be determined by a nutritionist.

Along with eating balanced food with high nutritional value, to ensure your companion’s health and well-being, it’s desirable to enrich its body with vitamins and minerals. For instance, giving your beloved friend omega-3 can help improve cognitive health and vision, as well as ease joint discomfort. However, omega-3 can cause digestive upset or weight gain, so be sure to consult a nutritionist to determine the recommended therapeutic dose for your German Shepherd.

Antioxidants are another recommended supplement to help your companion animal’s body rid itself of toxins and other pollutants. Antioxidants will benefit your companion animal prevent respiratory problems, maintain optimal liver function, and strengthen the immune system. Antioxidants can be obtained from vitamins in food, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

Consulting with a nutritionist and creating a feeding schedule tailored to your companion animal’s individual needs will help you monitor any changes in feeding behavior that may indicate illness or physiological stress.

A former cavalry captain and student at the Berlin Veterinary College, Max von Stephanitz wondered at the intelligence, robust physique, and abilities of German Shepherd dogs.

In 1899, von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hector Linksrein at an exhibition. Hector was the result of several generations of selective breeding and fully met the criteria that von Stephanitz thought the best dog of German origin should have. Fascinated by the companion animal’s intellect, loyalty, and bodily traits, von Stephanitz immediately purchased Hector Linksrein and began to take care of the perfection of its offspring.

In just a few decades, this breed of companion animals became a national symbol and pride of Germany. However, due to their association with militarism, German Shepherds were equated with Nazi Germany in the first half of the twentieth century.

During the Holocaust, German Shepherds served as guard dogs in concentration camps. Adolf Hitler himself had several German Shepherds, including Prince and Blond. In preparation for his suicide, Hitler ordered Dr. Werner Haas to test the cyanide capsule on Blondie, which resulted in the dog’s death. Erna Flegel, a nurse who worked in the emergency team of the Reich Chancellery, said in 2005 that the death of the German Shepherd affected the people in the bunker more than the suicide of Adolf Hitler’s partner, Eva Braun.

Thanks to the breed’s loyal nature, soldiers returning from war have made German Shepherds meaningful members of the family. The love shown for this breed was so strong that to protect against post-war anti-German sentiment, the German Shepherd was referred to as the Elzel in the United Kingdom.