Top 5 Disadvantages of German Shepherd Dogs

Section 1: The Drawbacks of German Shepherds

German Shepherds, often regarded as super dogs, embody the strengths of breeds like the Rottweiler, Manchester Terrier, Borzoi, and Greyhound. Historically, these early guard dogs were known for their fierce protection of homes and property. Today, the German Shepherd has evolved into a highly refined and skilled breed, losing much of its former ferocity, stability, and independence.

2. Now widely utilized in military and police roles, German Shepherds remain intelligent and vigilant guard dogs. They are known for their discipline, obedience, and loyalty, making them beloved pets and highly regarded for their service.

3. Despite their impressive intelligence, ranking fifth on the canine IQ list, German Shepherds are agile, quick, and form strong bonds with their families. As a large breed, they require ample exercise and enjoy physical activity. Their high alertness also makes them excellent guard dogs. However, they are not without their flaws. Their limited physical strength in direct combat, susceptibility to heat and cold due to their short coat, and potential health issues such as bloat, hip dysplasia, and heart problems require careful attention and management to ensure their wellbeing.

4. German Shepherds are not without their shortcomings. They may struggle with other dog breeds, and there is a higher risk of health issues such as bloat, hip dysplasia, and heart problems. It's crucial for owners to be vigilant and proactive in managing these aspects to maintain the health and happiness of their German Shepherds.

Section 2: The Lifestyle of German Shepherds

1. This robust breed is primarily tasked with guarding and can be trained to excel as search and rescue dogs, hunting dogs, and herding dogs. They are brave, sensitive, determined, and tenacious, with a fondness for barking. German Shepherds are intelligent, strong, and capable of aggression, making them natural guardians. With strict training, they become loyal and affectionate companions. Their sleek, muscular build is both stunning and functional, requiring owners to invest in regular exercise to temper their potential aggression and maintain their alert and poised demeanor. They are wellsuited to urban living, with their short coat making them heattolerant and coldsensitive. However, they are not easy to get along with other dogs and are prone to bloat, abnormal hip development, heart problems, and an unusual blood circulation disorder known as Willebrand's disease.

2. Estrus

Female German Shepherds exhibit distinct physical and behavioral changes during estrus. The signs include altered behavior, increased excitement, heightened activity, irritability, loud barking, bright eyes, swollen vulva, discharge of red, sticky mucus, frequent urination, tail wagging, and a desire to be close to male dogs. Estrus typically lasts between 5 to 12 days, with an average of 9 days, and in rare cases, up to 21 days.

3. Mating

When a German Shepherd female shows signs of estrus, it's time to select a suitable male for breeding. Pairing a highquality breed with the next generation of German Shepherds involves choosing dogs that are free of degenerative traits, with stable temperaments, strong physiques, rapid growth, robust health, and high reproductive capabilities. The optimal mating period is 12 to 13 days after the female's vaginal bleeding starts. During the peak of the female's desire and the most pronounced estrus signs, mating should take place. The ideal number of matings is two, with the second mating occurring 24 to 28 hours after the first to avoid impacting fetal development. The mating should be conducted in a natural manner with minimal interference and distraction to ensure a successful mating.

Section 3: The Physical Characteristics of German Shepherds

1. German Shepherds have a medium build with a square body shape. They are muscular and powerful, with exceptional endurance and speed. They are active, alert, resolute, agile, brave, loyal, and obedient.

2. The dog's shoulder height is approximately 26 to 28 inches (66.0 to 71.0 cm), with an ideal height of 27.5 inches. Female dogs have a shoulder height greater than 24 to 26 inches (61.0 to 66.0 cm), with 25.5 inches being the most ideal for males. The shoulder height (the vertical distance from the highest point of the withers to the ground) is equal to the body length (the horizontal distance from the chest to the thigh). The length of the head, neck, and legs is proportional to the height and depth of the body.

3. Head

The head is long and compact, appearing wedgeshaped from both the front and the side. The outline from the mouth to the ear roots forms two complete straight lines that gradually widen. The eyes are almondshaped, set moderately and deeply, with lively and energetic expressions. The ears are typically cropped and stand upright. When standing, the top of the ears is at the level of the top of the head.

The head is flat, connecting the mouth to the head through a slight stop. The profile of the mouth is parallel to the head. The cheeks are flat, with welldeveloped muscles. The nose color varies depending on the coat color: black dogs have black noses; red dogs have dark brown noses; blue dogs have dark gray noses; and fawn dogs have dark brown noses. The lips are tight and the jaws are strong and full below the eyes. The teeth are white and strong, with a scissors bite, and there are 42 teeth in total, 22 in the lower jaw, and 20 in the upper jaw. Malocclusions include a lower jaw that protrudes more than 1/8 inch and an upper jaw that protrudes more than 3/16 inch; and the loss of four or more teeth.

4. Neck Size

The neck is carried high, muscular, and tightly packed. It arches slightly and is proportionally equal in length to the body and head. It gradually expands and merges with the body. The withers are prominent, being the highest point of the body. The hindquarters are short and sturdy, with sufficient width. The loin muscles are welldeveloped. The buttocks rise from the withers to a slightly rounded shape, forming a straight line.

The chest is wide, with an appropriately prominent forechest. The ribs curve from a prominent point to flatten below the elbow, extending from the spine to the elbow. The abdomen is moderately tucked up, curving from the chest to the front. The loin is wide and muscular; the buttocks are wide and the body proportions are appropriate. The width of the buttocks is approximately equal to the width of the chest and shoulders.

The second vertebra of the tail is docked, serving as an extension of the spine. The tail is only raised high when the dog is alert.

5. Forelimbs

The scapula slopes forward and downward, forming a 45degree angle with the ground. It connects at a 90degree angle to the forearm, which is of equal length. The length from the withers to the elbow is equal to the length from the elbow to the ground. The forelimbs are straight from the elbow to the wrist, parallel and strong, with sufficient bone mass. Whether standing or walking, the elbows are close to the chest. The wrist is strong and perpendicular to the ground.

Tip: Click on 'Newbie Dog Care Tips' for more information on how to properly care for your dog.