Aug 11 2009

The German Shepherd: Power, Loyalty and Cleverness all in One

by Troy Richardson

If you ever chance upon one of these dogs, youll probably notice its stately demeanor right away. It gives off an air of sleekness and fluid power, while retaining a lively and vigorous outlook on life. The German Shepherd has a long body, that is solid and healthy, radiating health and top form.

The German Shepherd exudes an appearance of almost majestic quality. This breed is distinct in having produced animals that are poised without being arrogant, frankly direct and without fear and yet are not hostile, and sporting a detached, less friendly approach toward people it does not consider family.

This dog is matchless when it comes to guarding, and is a terrifically loyal member of the family once adopted, a perfect selection for families that want a good investment when picking out a dog. As soon as its trust in its owner is established and a firm understanding and relationship is acknowledged, the German Shepherd is quite amiable with children. This dog is the right choice to make if you want an animal that is intelligent, loyal and strong, all at the same time.

Deutscher Schferhund, its original name, literally translates to German Shepherd Dog. Its original purpose was to help shepherds guide herds and protect sheep, hence it was given that name. In Germanys local communities in the 1800s, it was practical to breed dogs to preserve the traits that were vital in herding and protecting flocks from predators.

Dogs would be picked and bred based on the qualities that shepherds thought were needed for shepherding, namely the animal had to be smart, quick on its feet, and have a great sense of smell. The upshot of this practice produced dogs that did this task superbly, but looked different based on their locality, and their abilities differed as well. This was generally the trend for shepherds at the time.

This breed is identified with its readiness for training and its zeal to have goals and duties. Stemming from its intrinsic qualities that make it a faithful guardian and herder, the German Shepherd is lauded as the best breed choice when it comes to police, military and guard work. Whats more, its a devoted friend of the family, a herder, and a top-notch show competitor.

It is one of the most popular selections for use as a working dog, being especially well known for helping the police by tracking down criminals, guarding and holding suspects, and patrolling risky areas. They are also indispensable in search and rescue, cadaver searching and narcotics and explosives detection, to name just a few. This is because of their sharp sense of smell and ability to work even in a distracting environment, such as airports or shopping malls.

This dogs expression is intelligent, keen and composed, and his coat comes in a wide variety of colors, the most common combinations being tan and black, or red and black. They have a noble, dense outer coat, with a thick undercoat, and a bushy tail that reaches to the hock. Giving off an impression of subtle power and solidity, and being one of the most intelligent, hardworking and agile dogs in the world, the German Shepherd is a wise choice to make when choosing to adopt a pet.

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