Introduction
German shepherds are one of America’s most famous and loved dog breeds. People love to make them a part of their family, others keep them for their protection, while some are still curious to know what this dog holds in special.
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Interesting facts about German shepherds
There are some important and interesting facts about GSDs. These are the following:
1. They are herd and war dogs
German shepherd’s history started in Germany’s countryside, where they were kept to herd and protect the sheep from predators.
Soon Germans realized their capabilities and intelligence in work, to adapt things faster, and their instinct to protect. They took them in World War 1, where these dogs not only protected their owners, but also transferred supplies, information, and messages to counter any attack or defend their soldiers.
In short, they played brilliantly as rescue and search dogs as well.
Soon their fame reached America and Europe, who later on introduced this breed in their armies in World War 2, against the Nazi army.
They are preferably kept as military and police dogs in America today.
2. They shed hair
You must have seen the cute pictures of them on the internet, flexing their long and shiny hair.
What if I tell you there is bad news that you must read with a heavy heart? They shed a lot of hair, let’s be honest, they shed excessively twice a year, once in fall and once in spring. They have also been given the nickname “German Shedders”
That does not mean they don’t shed at other times, they do.
But in these two seasons, they shed all their undercoat hair to adjust their body insulation according to the weather.
To keep their daily shedding a bare minimum, you must brush their hair regularly, so that weak hair comes out in the brush without making your house a black carpet.
3. They are canine dogs
German shepherds are the canine breeds that are 2nd most popular breed in the United States. That’s why they are in service as police canines for their sharpness and intelligence to detect the odor of their specialty.
They can also run 27 miles without resting for a breath and cover 30 miles per hour.
Isn’t it amazing? Know more.
They tilt themselves to one side when someone gives them instructions. Other times, their ears remain erect or both lean towards each other like eyebrows when anxious.
4. They are called Alsatian wolf dog
They got this name after the world wars when Germany lost its reputation in the eyes of the world. They refused to call anything related to Germany, Americans called them shepherd dogs, While in Europe, they called them Alsatian wolf dogs until the 1960s.
5. They have Genetic diseases
They are healthy and strong dog breeds, but exceptions are always there, one can’t escape diseases all the time.
German shepherds are also susceptible to many genetic diseases like hip and elbow dysplasia. They may not be able to do physical activities like a normal dog.
Other diseases can be stomach issues like bloating and diabetes or neurological diseases in the form of myelopathy.
I hope you have learned many things about the dog everyone loves.
There is more to satisfy your curiosity Fellas in the next blog۔
If you want to know whether German Shepherds are good family dogs, click here.
