Happy Pet Blog

German Shepherds are beautiful, intelligent dogs, however they do require a lot of time and care. The German Shepherd dog originated in Germany in 1899 and were bred to herd and guard sheep. There are two lines of German Shepherds, the working line and the show line. Both lines require an enormous amount of care, so here are some things you should know before purchasing a German Shepherd dog.

They Require Plenty Of Mental Stimulation

German Shepherds are so intelligent, and therefore require a lot of mental stimulation. Creating puzzles and games for your dog is a great way of doing so. You should also sign your German Shepherd up for obedience or  agility courses.

They Need A Lot Of Exercise 

These dogs are such big dogs, and they need a whole lot of exercise. If you live in a house with a good sized yard, one very long, energy-consuming walk a day is adequate. If you live in a house with no yard/a small yard, two long walks a day is the minimum. Being such a high-energy dog, they will always feel the need to have a job to do. If you do not exercise your dog enough, he will begin to take his energy out on items around your house.

They Are Natural Guard Dogs

German Shepherds are natural guard dogs, and if not trained properly or if they get neglected they will become aggressive and vicious. Being a natural guard dog means they will bark often, and are lay-offish with strangers. They will also give bark warnings; however, they will not defend on command unless professionally trained to do so. 

They Are Not Great For First-Time Dog Owners

As this breed of dog requires such high maintenance, they are not compatible with first-time owners. They need a lot of time and experience to be trained and cared for appropriately.

They Shed Like Crazy

Majority of German Shepherd Dogs have a thick, dense double coat. They shed this coat the entire year, leaving hair everywhere. Give your dog a long brush every day so there is less hair around your house. Dog grooming services are a must for a breed like a German Shepherd unless you can groom your dog yourself. You should also rely on a dog groomer for dog clipping as their coat should be trimmed once in a while.

These are a few things you should know before purchasing a German Shepherd. These dogs are the most gorgeous, loveable dogs, and you should know what you are getting into before buying one of these beautiful fur babies.