When anyone says the word dog, the image that pops up in most people's mind is that of the German Shepherd. Also known as Alsatians (from the province in France where the breed was developed), the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in the world. With their distinctive look, incredible intelligence and remarkable personalities, you would think the German Shepherd would be the perfect dog. German Shepherds are not a placid, sedentary breed like the cavalier King Charles Spaniel. In order to be healthy, happy and respond to training, they need to be exercised regularly every day - including a walk of at least a half hour, plus a romp in the yard. You live in an apartment? Then you really should consider another dog. Otherwise, they will damage your apartment in boredom and to burn up excess energy. The incredible popularity of the German Shepherd has led to it being over bred. To keep up with the market for German Shepherd puppies, some breeders and puppy mills breed to death any German Shepherd they can find, no matter what it's health. Responsible breeders and caring dog lovers are trying to stop this indiscriminate breeding and only breed healthy dogs. But German Shepherd can often seem to develop more health problems than other breeds. You will need to brush your German Shepherd every day to keep out tangles and to keep shedding to a minimum. Most German Shepherds have thick, double layer coats, although there are many with single layer coats. Bathing the German Shepherd Dog too often can result in shedding and dandruff production beyond belief so only bathe when absolutely necessary. Train your dog to be still when brushed and do it after exercise. Getting a German Shepherd is a commitment to giving them regular exercise - and for you to get regular exercise, as well. They make excellent jogging, cycling or horseback riding partners (The dog jogs next to the horse - you don't ride the dog!) A thirty-minute brisk walk even once a day is not much to ask for. They also need room to run free in a yard, so living in an apartment is usually not good for them. German Shepherds also need regular exercise every day, or else they get a bit hyper and mischievous. They have been bred for centuries to work all day, not sleep all day. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent and will find things to do, whether or not they are good for you or the dog or not. They need a job, even if the job is family pet. If they are a family pet they need to be involved with the family and not tied to a post and left outside. They are strong dogs, which can surprise people not ready for the power of big dogs. By knowing all of this German Shepherd information, you can now decide if this magnificent but demanding dog can fit in your life.
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