German Shepherds are easy to please and train,
and they are one of the most intelligent breeds of dogs out there.
German Shepherds are also one of the best looking, thus a good
German Shepherd should be strong, agile, well-muscled, alert, and
full of life. Here are some things you should know when caring for
German Shepherds.Health
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip
dysplasia and are also known to be prone to bloating. Some of them
develop Von Willebrand's disease and skin allergies. Learn what
health problems your dog is prone to so you can try to avoid them.
It is best to maintain the weight of your German Shepherd as being
overweight can cause heart trouble and arthritis. Make regular
visits to the veterinary and only feed your dog with the food
recommended by the vet. It is also highly recommended to exercise
and play with your dog for 30 to 60 minutes a day. The average
life span of a German Shepherd is from 10 to13 years
Grooming
German Shepherds do not really need special
grooming, but it is recommended to brush your dog daily. German
Shepherds shed heavily all year-round. It is also advisable to
bathe the dog fairly regularly. To prevent foot problems, trim the
dog's nails as needed.
Training
German Shepherds are very intelligent and
obedient so they can be trained easily. From the time that it is
still a pup until it grows bigger, you must train it consistently
and firmly. You can keep them indoors or outdoors but they will be
much happier indoors especially since German Shepherds are known
to be very attached to their owner. Be sure to keep a vacuum in
hand as the German Shepherd sheds a lot. When keeping them
outdoors, make sure your gate is secured and your fence is high
enough to prevent your dog from jumping over it.