German Shepherds: The Versatile Working Dogs

The Alsatian, commonly known as the Germanto their strong teeth and jaws, they can be
Shepherd Dog, is a working dog breed that oftentrained to attack. Unfortunately, they can also
acts as military dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, orbecome too aggressive or become fearful if not
search and rescue dogs. They are used becausebred properly. Many of these types of dogs, who
they can be trained in protection and obedienceare either poorly bred or have owners who don't
easily and they like to please their owners.train them properly, end up in puppy mills. Since
German Shepherd Dogs are large, strong dogsGerman Shepherds are frequently used as attack
that have coats with either long or short hair.and police dogs, they have received an image of
Their coats' colors vary, but are mostly seen inbeing quite dangerous. However, most German
tan and brown. However, there are someShepherds make great pets for families and are
German Shepherds who are completely black ornot aggressive.
white. German Shepherds' ears stand up erectGerman Shepherds are very emotional dogs and
and they also have long tails.are quite loyal. They are sometimes used as guide
There are several lines of German Shepherd, alldogs, but that is on the decline as they can get
of which have different looks, behavior and skills.separation anxiety and trauma. As stated earlier,
The international working line of Germandifferent lines of German Shepherds vary in
Shepherds are bred as working dogs. They aretemperament. Working dogs have more energy
quite tough but their appearance varies. The Northand are more obedient. They are intelligent and
American show line of German Shepherds arebecome upset if they do not get enough exercise.
bred for their appearance, which is unique toThey like to have a job to do, which is why they
them. Their backs are more angled than a typicalare often used as rescue dogs. North American
German Shepherd's and unfortunately this can belines of German Shepherd Dogs are more fitted
bad for their backs. They are also believed to notfor the role of companions.
have the working dog traits of the other lines.Due their large size, German Shepherds can
The international show line of German Shepherdsuffer from elbow problems and hip dysplasia.
Dog also is bred more so on appearance, so theyThey may have skin allergies or have von
typically look the same.Willebrand's disease. The average life span of a
German Shepherds tend to develop great loyaltyGerman Shepherd is twelve years.
and are very obedient towards their owners. Due