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German Shepherd Dogs, as they are officially known, are a breed known for their intense loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature. The German Shepherd Dog breed is often considered to be the second-best breed in every canine skill, meaning that they are a true jack-of-all-trades, but master of none. It’s difficult to find something the German Shepherd Dog isn’t good at. While on paper, these dogs may sound amazing, German Shepherds aren’t for everyone. Do research and soul-searching to find out if these dogs are right for you. Here are some factors that you’ll need to consider before adopting a German Shepherd Dog.
1.) Size.
If you want a lap dog, or even a medium-sized dog, the German Shepherd Dog is not right for you. German Shepherds are a large breed and rarely weigh under seventy pounds.
2.) Mental and physical stimulation.
German Shepherds are amazingly intelligent. This means that while they learn tricks easily, they also require a lot of mental stimulation. Just like bright children often get into trouble at school because they’re bored or not mentally challenged enough, the German Shepherd Dog needs to be mentally challenged. It’s a working dog that needs a “job,” and whether that job is chasing tennis balls, catching Frisbees, scent tracking, patrolling the neighborhood, or agility trials, the German Shepherd Dog will take its job very seriously. Additionally, the German Shepherd Dog breed needs plenty of physical exercise. Most of the breed’s behavioral problems stem from not enough mental or physical exercise.
3.) Shedding.
The German Shepherd Dog breed has both short-haired and long-haired coat varieties. Keep in mind that if you choose a long-haired dog, shedding will be a huge issue. Long-haired dogs require a lot of upkeep and cleaning.
4.) Expressive.
Your German Shepherd Dog will tell you when he has to go out, when he’s hungry, when he’s thirsty, etc. German Shepherds are huge “talkers,” and they often convey want they want through barking or whining.
5.) Prey drive.
Your German Shepherd will have the internal instinct to hunt rabbits, squirrels, small dogs, and cats.
