• October 31, 2021

Frequently asked questions about the German Shepherd

What are the common health problems of German Shepherd dogs? German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and are also prone to swelling. There are also a considerable number of them who develop Von Willebrand’s disease and skin allergies. The average lifespan of the German Shepherd dog is 12 years.

Is the German Shepherd a Dangerous Breed?

The perception that German Shepherds are a dangerous breed may stem from the fact that they are largely used as police or military dogs, giving them a “bad” reputation. Their strong jaw and big teeth can be scary too. Although German Shepherds are largely loyal and obedient to their owners, they can be trained to attack when commanded. When they are not properly trained, they can be aggressive. They also have short temperaments. They are also a target of breed specific legislation in some countries and are perceived as inherently dangerous. Many people are working to ban the BSL as it unfairly targets larger dogs that are quite tame and well behaved when trained by responsible owners. As long as you are a responsible dog owner, a German Shepherd is not an inherently dangerous dog.

Who are some of the famous / infamous German Shepherds?

German Shepherds have become one of man’s favorite dogs throughout history. Some of the most famous include movie and TV stars like Bullet, Wonder Dog, Charlie from the movie All Dogs Go To Heaven, and Jerry-Lee, a fellow police dog from the K-9 and K-911 movies. Some are pets of famous people and have shared the prominence of their owners. These include Clipper, JFK’s dog, and Major, Franklin D. Roosevelt’s pet.

What are the disqualifying fouls at German Shepherd Dog Shows?

Standards for shows vary widely across countries and governing bodies. However, the most common disqualifying factors include floppy ears that are never fully raised, also called “tip friendly” dogs. This failure is caused by damage to the cartilage of the ear that usually occurs in puppies under 12 months of age, but is not genetic. Another disqualifying foul is when the tail is held vertically and exposes the anus. A German Shepherd is also disqualified when his muzzle is not predominantly black. In many shows, the white coat in German Shepherds is disqualified, but it is admitted in some.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *