German Shepherd

German shepherd

The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs as a pet around the world, one of its greatest characteristics is its intelligence and the amazing ability to learn, the German shepherd has long been used as a watchdog, police dog and in some cases as a guide dog, and not for grazing, as indicated by its name.

It is a dog of utility, work, defense and vigilance with a slender and elegant silhouette. His figure is slightly elongated, robust and muscular with a thin but solid skeleton.

There must be a ratio between the height at the withers, the length of the body and the angles of the bone radius so that an easy, unwieldy and resistant trot is guaranteed.

Its superficial fur must be accompanied by another short and woolly sub-hair that helps it to be insensitive to the influences of the weather.

The expression of his look is clean, noble, firm and investigative.

His courage and bravery place him in optimal conditions for defense and he confronts the enemy with security, aggressiveness and fierceness, while being gentle and sweet in front of the children and domestic animals of the house.

His vigorous and balanced temperament allows him to develop among strangers without attacking them when there is no reason or not mediate the order of the master.

The German Shepherd is in the classification of medium-sized dog and its height at the cross should be between 60 and 65 centimeters for males, and between 55 and 60 for females.
Regarding the weight, it is considered suitable for females, from 26 to 33 Kilos and for males. between 34 and 40 kilos.

The head of the German Shepherd is a sign of appreciable distinction, it must be poporcionada to the body without being big nor heavy, lean in its set and moderately wide between the ears.

His expression is clean, calm, safe and noble, denoting security and a personality that gives to understand its little hobby to contract friendship with strangers to his house.

The behavior of the German Shepherd, like that of any other race, depends on the character of the animal.
We can place our trust in the animal that shows a high nervous balance, quick reflexes, easy movement, vigilant spirit, nobility, but with aggressiveness when the time comes, you must have a lot of courage in the attack and ingenuity in the defense.
Extreme hearing and olfactory sensitivity, outstanding obedience habits and constant activity and desire for work.

The food ration should not be considered sufficient for the volume, but for the nutritional value. The diet must be conceived within an intelligent equilibrium and must be aimed at getting the body nourished and not just filling the stomach.

It is very important to be aware of the vaccines and everything related to hygiene and care necessary to avoid diseases and it is necessary to have a veterinarian who knows the animal and carries the complete history of health.

STANDARD OF THE RACE

BODY: deep chest, not very wide. The trunk is deep but not long, although its length must be greater than the height at the withers. Well-shaped ribs, straight back and well muscled. Wide, strong and muscular flanks.
COLA: well populated, it reaches the hock. At rest it hangs and curves slightly. The dog lifts it in motion, but never on the line of the spine.
EYES: medium size, almond shaped, never prominent and preferably dark brown. It is living expression intelligent and safe.
EARS: medium, broad at the base and tall, triangular in shape. It keeps them straight and slightly forward.
HEAD: proportioned to the body, moderately wide between the ears. Powerful snout, straight nasal spout, firm lips glued to the jaws and strong incisors with a scissor bite.
EXTREMITIES: long shoulder blades and planes located obliquely. The length of the arm exceeds the depth of the thorax. The hind legs are strong as a whole, broad and muscular, and the femur must be oblique with respect to the tibia.

PROFESSIONS OF THE GERMAN SHEPHERD

Throughout history, the German shepherd has been trained to provide certain services, and his great abilities have helped man in different occupations.

AUXILIARY OF MAN: in the First World War, he served as a Red Cross dog: he looked for wounded soldiers and transported first aid equipment. He was also a skilled messenger; He served as sentinel and guardian of the ammunition depots.
LAZARILLO: after the First World War, the German government trained German shepherds to be blind soldiers' guards. The guide dog training was promoted in Switzerland, and from there, in the thirties, the idea came to France.
ASSISTANCE TASK: German shepherds are selectively bred, for their good health and temperament, for the role of guide dog. When he is a puppy, the training is in charge of volunteers. Then a specialized training is done, in which he is made to see by his blind master.
SEARCH AND RESCUE: in earthquakes and avalanches, German shepherds perform with great efficiency to follow traces in the field. Many work in mountainous areas, locating people lost in the fog and warn of them digging in the place or barking.
FOLLOWING THE TRACE: official agencies often use these dogs to detect contraband, explosives and other merchandise in ports and airports.
POLICE COMPANIONS: special and security forces employ the German shepherd for various functions: search and rescue, defense and some forms of attack. Each animal and trainer must work in teams and preferably from when the dog is a puppy.


"It is an ideal breed for dynamic and active people" For Martha Botero de Ruiz, breeder of the German shepherd and permanent collaborator of the Association of Breeders for German Shepherd Dogs (APPA), who adopts a dog of this breed will find an excellent companion, because tender, noble, intelligent and balanced. "Nobody understands our moods more than the German shepherd. It is a very adaptable animal, which can adapt to many common situations in the life of its owner. In addition, this breed is preferred as a guide dog and as a dog for the handicapped; It has even been shown that his company serves as a recovery therapy for autistic children with psychomotor and mental illnesses. Those who wish to acquire a German shepherd should know very well; I recommend buying it in a trusted hatchery and with papers, to avoid having specimens, very aggressive and with hip dysplasia, its most common disease.