Black German Shepherd Facts

German Shepherd Dog Description:

The German Shepherd Dog generally known as GSD was developed at Karlsruhe, Germany during late 1800’s. Max von Stephanitz, known as father of the GSD, produced this wonderful obedient dog by cross breeding different herding and farm dogs. The GSD gained extreme popularity outside Germany from the movies Strongheart and Rin-Tin-Tin. During World War I this breed was used as Military Dog by both Germany and French Military. This is the first dog ever used as a guide dog for the blind. The GSD was recognized by the AKC in 1908 and now has become one of the most popular breeds in the world.

The German Shepherd Dog is a large sized healthy, strong, agile and well muscled. It has a well proportioned head; ears are erect; nose is generally black; eyes are dark and almond-shaped; teeth meet in a scissors bite; tail is bushy and hangs down. The GSD has strong legs, and gait is smooth and rhythmic. The double coat of GSD comes in three varieties: rough-coated, long rough-coated and long-haired. The outer coat is harsh, thick and straight and the undercoat is soft and dense. Its coat comes in varieties of colors like black and tan, black and silver, solid black, sable or any solid color except white.

The GSD is an active, fun-loving, independent, loyal, brave and intelligent breed. This breed loves to learn and should be trained from the early age. Once properly trained they can socialize well and get along with children. This breed is very loyal and protective for its family. This breed does not love to bark but barks when feels any danger. This is generally considered as a one-man dog, very much loyal and affectionate towards its owner. The GSD loves it family a lot and does not accept strangers easily, which makes it a good watch dog. This obedient dog loves to work and always wants something to do. This breed is a wonderful family pet, apart from that it is used as guard dog, as guide dog for blind and deaf, and help police and military in different jobs like search and rescue, sniff out drugs etc. The GSDs are relatively inactive indoors and do best in large area. If sufficiently exercised they can do okay in an apartment but need at least an average sized yard to roam around.

German Shepherd Dog Care & Grooming:

The German Shepherd Dog sheds throughout the year and sheds heavily during spring and fall. Its moderately long and dense coat needs regular grooming. Brushing its coat 3-4 times in a week with a firm bristle brush and almost daily brushing during shedding season are sufficient to maintain a healthy looking coat. It should be bathed only when necessary and must be dried properly after each bath. Its eyes and ears need to be cleaned regularly to avoid any infection. Its nail and, the hair around ears, eyes and paws should be trimmed regularly.

This is an active dog which needs lots of daily exercise. Daily long walks are vital to keep the dog healthy both physically and mentally. These should be supplemented with jogging or running every now and then in an open but secured area. However, it should not be let off the leash in an open area as it has a tendency to chase small animals. It has a tendency to gain weight quickly so should not be overfed. This dog is prone to bloat, so small frequent meals are recommended instead of a large meal.

German Shepherd Dog Health Problems: