Dog handler: focus on the German Shepherd

Ranking among the French people's favorite dogs for several years, and particularly among dog handlers, the German Shepherd is a protective and intelligent working dog. Let's discover together its physical characteristics and temperament.

Summary:

Origins
Physical abilities
Temperament
Learning abilities
Professions

The origins of the German Shepherd

German Shepherd dog portrait

Originally, the German Shepherd comes from a cross between two herding breeds. Dog breeders wanted to combine the physical assets of the Württemberg Shepherd with the agility of the Thuringian Shepherd. It would be a captain of the Prussian royal cavalry named Max Von Stephanitz who would be, at the end of the 19th century, at the origin of this dog breed. The German Shepherd that we know and appreciate so much today was officially recognized in 1898.

The German Shepherd, an imposing and strong dog

Robust, the German Shepherd has a well-proportioned head and a muscular and athletic physique. Its "wolf-like" silhouette has earned it the nickname of "wolf-dog".

The German Shepherd's "identity card":

Male size: 60-65 cm
Male weight: 35 – 40 kg
Female size: 55-60 cm
Female weight: 25-30 kg
Origin: Germany
Coat: short or long
Coat: black and tan
Appearance: large dog, powerful, muscular, straight-lined
Life expectancy: 12 years
Common diseases: hip or elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, arthritis

The German Shepherd's temperament

Working dog, guard dog, police dog, rescue dog, etc., the German Shepherd's temperament allows it to adapt to many situations. Like the Belgian Malinois, the German Shepherd is a dog breed very attached to its owner.

The main character traits of the German Shepherd dog:

Easy to train
Docile
Affectionate
Protective
Playful
Intelligent
Hard-working

This police dog can also be an excellent family dog, as long as it has been well trained and its owners give it enough time and attention. This dog breed needs several daily outings to let off steam. It's also a dog that doesn't tolerate solitude well.

Learning abilities of the German Shepherd puppy

attentive German Shepherd dog

Docile, affectionate and intelligent, the German Shepherd must be accustomed very early to being around other dogs. Like any herding breed, it may tend to bark often. This trait can be reinforced or attenuated with training according to needs. Indeed, this type of instinct can prove very useful for a future guard dog. Belonging to group 1 of herding and cattle dogs, the German Shepherd is a breed that needs to exercise and establish a close bond with its owner to flourish. Very important, the German Shepherd puppy's training must be firm in order to channel a sometimes overly assertive character.

The German Shepherd, a versatile working dog

Once used as a working dog to protect and help gather flocks, the German Shepherd quickly became a valuable ally for the military and law enforcement. Used during both world wars, this dog breed remains very useful today for police, army, customs or firefighters as a protection dog, search or assistance dog.

Although its scent is less powerful than that of the Bloodhound, the German Shepherd remains an excellent dog for finding missing persons (train accidents, building collapses, natural disasters) or for detecting traces of drugs or explosives.

With its imposing physique, the German Shepherd is also used as a guard dog or during patrols. Versatile, it can also perform as a rescue dog, avalanche dog, therapy dog, or even as a guide dog for the blind. We quickly understand why the reputation of this utility dog has very rapidly exceeded the borders of its country of origin, Germany.

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