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View 2 More +The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It is a popular working dog, used by police, armed forces, and even in therapy and caring settings. And its loving, attentive, trainable nature, also makes it a good choice as a family pet. However, they do need a lot of physical exercise as well as mental stimulation, and
Below, we look at 11 reasons why this well-known breed is such a popular choice, so you can decide whether one would be the right choice for you.
The 11 Reasons Why German Shepherds Are So Popular
1. They Are Highly Intelligent
There’s a reason German Shepherds are commonly used as police dogs and in a host of other service roles—their intelligence. GSDs can adapt quickly to new tasks, and when combined with their physical prowess and their somewhat intimidating stature, this combination has made them a great choice for everything from search and rescue to bomb sniffer dogs.
2. GSDs Are Easy to Train
Left to their own devices, GSDs will use that intelligence to try and get their own way and access the things they want. They will quickly learn how to get food, how to escape, and how to make their own fun. Fortunately, intelligence combines with a willingness to follow instructions.
Because the loving German Shepherd is keen to please its humans, this makes the breed a trainable dog. Owners are advised to use positive reinforcement and to be consistent in their training efforts, to get the best results.
3. They Make Loving Pets
Intelligence and eagerness go a long way to making the breed popular as a pet, but their loving attitude cements their position. While German Shepherds are not usually the type to run up to and greet strangers, once they make friends, they become very emotionally attached to their new buddies.
4. They Are Loyal Family Dogs
That love translates to loyalty, too. The GSD doesn’t just become close to one family member, it is loyal to all its humans. Proper socialization is needed to ensure that this loyalty isn’t too fierce. The German Shepherd needs to know that strangers do not pose a threat.
They should look to you for guidance and if they see you greet a new person warmly, they will be friendly.
5. German Shepherds Are Adaptable
Adaptability takes many forms in the canine world. In the case of this breed, it means that the GSD can thrive in cold and warm environments. It also means they can pick up new tasks and adapt to new surroundings quickly and easily.
Again, socialization is key to this adaptability. If a young dog isn’t socialized properly, it can become anxious when presented with different situations or new faces. With good socialization, a German Shepherd will take anything in its stride.
6. They Are Healthy
All dog breeds are somewhat prone to certain hereditary conditions, but the German Shepherd is considered a generally healthy dog. It is robust and physically strong, which means it isn’t too prone to physical injuries, and with good nutrition and a healthy life, you can expect a well-cared-for GSD to live up to 12 or 13 years.
Owners do need to look out for hip and elbow dysplasia. When buying a puppy, ensure the parents have been screened for these conditions and look for lameness or pain around the legs as the dog grows.
These conditions mean that the bones around the hip or elbow have not grown properly and do not align at the joints, and they can cause arthritis and discomfort as the dog ages.
7. They’re Good with Kids
That early socialization will help ensure that your Shepherd is good with kids, as well as strangers because it will mean meeting new people of all ages. Care should always be taken when introducing a new dog to children, but the German Shepherd will usually get along very well with human children.
You do need to teach the dog boundaries, especially when it comes to toys, but, similarly, you will need to teach children how to behave respectfully around the dog. Teach them not to grab handfuls of hair and not to try and ride around on the back of the dog.
You should never leave a dog and a very small child unattended because accidents do happen.
8. They’re Good with Other Pets
Similarly, German Shepherds are also good with other animals, including those in their own homes and outside the home. When your German Shepherd is young, take them to puppy classes to meet other dogs. Also walk them to local dog parks where they can meet other dogs, including smaller and bigger dogs. Keep up with this socialization even as your dog ages. You will both benefit in the long run.
9. They Make Good Guard Dogs
As the name suggests, the German Shepherd was originally bred to herd livestock and was created by combining various German herding dogs. Part of the role of the German Shepherd was to protect the livestock.
The protective nature and the foreboding physical appearance of the breed saw it become very popular as a guard dog and a close protection dog in the 21st Century. It is still used for these purposes today, and even as a family pet, the German Shepherd will look out for you and your family.
This doesn’t mean that the GSD will be aggressive, but it is known for barking when it sees a potential threat or believes its family might be in danger.
10. GSDs Are Great for Outdoor Activities
German Shepherds are energetic, lively, and athletic. They are also adaptable, and they enjoy having tasks to perform. They were bred for herding, which requires a lot of energy and stamina, which means that the modern GSD is great for outdoor activities.
If your family enjoys going on long hikes, adventuring in the mountains, or partaking in any other outdoor activities, this is one breed that will enjoy partaking in those activities with you.
11. German Shepherds Excel at Most Tasks
German Shepherds are used as police dogs, army dogs, and therapy dogs. Their excellent sense of smell has seen them deployed as sniffer dogs to detect bombs, drugs, and even people. And they are still used for their original purpose, as herding dogs.
Even in the family home, this is one breed that not only excels at training and performing jobs but thrives on the mental stimulation it provides. Put aside some time for daily training and look for ways you can introduce daily tasks to your GSD’s life.
Is the GSD the Right Dog for You?
The German Shepherd has a lot going for it. It is intelligent and trainable. It is also loving and loyal. And it can adapt to most situations as well as new tasks.
However, it isn’t the ideal breed for all potential owners. It is a very energetic breed that needs both physical exercise and mental stimulation, and it can become disruptive if it doesn’t get fulfillment. It typically does best in families with owners who enjoy spending a lot of active time outdoors. And, its guarding nature means that the German Shepherd can be prone to over-vocalization, barking at passing strangers, cars, and neighbors.
Therefore, if your dog is going to live in a busy area, it will need lots of socialization and plenty of attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can German Shepherds Be Left Alone?
The breed is loyal and loving, and it enjoys spending time with family. It is also intelligent and needs lots of mental stimulation as well as exercise. As long as you can meet the physical and mental needs of the breed, it is possible to leave a German Shepherd for a few hours, but you will need to build up to this length of time.
Desensitization can be a long process with some dogs and will mean leaving your dog for a few minutes at a time, initially, before extending how long you’re out.
Are German Shepherds High Maintenance?
As well as needing a lot of exercise and benefiting from ongoing training and mental games, German Shepherds are high maintenance. That coat needs a lot of regular attention to help control shedding and to prevent matting and skin problems. The breed also seemingly likes to get dirty and isn’t afraid of jumping in mud or bodies of water as part of its daily exercise.
Fortunately, the German Shepherd can be trained to make brushing and other grooming rituals much easier.
Conclusion
The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and has proven to be a hard-working service dog in many different roles as well as a loving family pet. It does need lots of daily exercise and owners need to find ways to keep the GSD stimulated, to help avoid unwanted and destructive behaviors.
But, in return, for this effort, the GSD owner can enjoy a friendly, loving, loyal family dog that will enjoy spending time outdoors and every minute with its family.
Featured Image Credit: Osetrik, Shutterstock
