#MY GERMAN SHEPHERD HIGHC SKIN#

Behavior problems can range from simple, such as house training, excessive activity level, digging, cat and dog aggression, property damage, to serious, such as human or stranger aggression and fear biting. Basically too much dog for an inadequate owner. Other common reasons that owners leave their German Shepherd at a shelter are: Owner's inability to provide for this breed's intense emotional needs, socializing, training requirements and improper behaviors, which usually develop out of frustration, lack of proper training and inadequate exercise. Also, new baby and child versus dog conflicts are another frequent reason. Landlord and insurance restrictions on many breeds, including German Shepherds, are now common. Rental housing is difficult to find if you live with a German Shepherd. Currently, 2 of the most common reasons is that the owner is moving. Owner turn-ins of German Shepherds to shelters are due to a variety of reasons.

The majority of German Shepherds in shelters arrive there as strays. Why are these dogs typically in animal shelters? Genetics, training, socializing and the care they receive are a large part of the what determines each dogs personality. The German shepherds personality and activity levels vary from dog to dog. Boredom and loneliness can lead to behavior problems. These are working dogs that need a job, even if they are to be a family dog. A shepherd from either working or show lines needs obedience training, proper socialization with both people and other animals, daily exercise and play and they must be a part of your family. If the working dog does not have an outlet for this drive, they will get themselves into trouble (chasing cars, bikes, barking, chewing, aggression, digging and other destructive and unwanted behavior). They have been bred for high prey drive and high activity level. The working bloodlines are often more dog than the average pet owner can handle. If not from good breed lines this may contribute to health problems such as hip dysplasia and spinal disorders. The show lines tend to be more angulated in the hindquarters. The working bloodlines, the American show lines, and the German show lines. You will find three distinct 'types' of bloodlines in German Shepherds. They are a loyal and dedicated dog if they have a loyal and dedicated owner. They generally have a good sense of right and wrong and the ability to tell if something is amiss. The German Shepherd should be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing non aggressive confidence. They should be self-confident but often have an aloofness that does not always lend this breed to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. They should be direct and fearless, but not aggressive. The German Shepherd breed has a distinctive personality. More modern day uses also include: Police K9 work, seeing eye dog. The dogs were originally used to protect flocks of sheep and are still used for this purpose. The German Shepherd Dog originated in northern Europe around one hundred years ago.

#MY GERMAN SHEPHERD HIGHC SKIN#

The more frequent health problems found in the breed are: Hip and elbow dysplasia, spinal disorders, low thyroid, skin problems (allergies to fleas, etc), ear infections, canine epilepsy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, panostitis(this seen in large bone dogs.) White German Shepherd dogs are not allowed to be shown at AKC events. Pale, washed-out colors and blues or livers are serious faults. The sable, gold with black coloration is seen frequently also.

The German Shepherd Dog varies in color, and most colors are permissible. This breed requires regular brushing and sheds a lot. The outer coat should be as dense as possible, hair straight, harsh and lying close to the body. The German Shepherd has a double coat of medium length. The breed is seen larger, but this would not be a breed standard Male and females should weigh between 62 to 80 pounds, height is 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder.

Photographed and Co Written By Tanna McGill

My german shepherd highc