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Do German Shepherd Dogs Make Good Pets?

by: JanRyan
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You need to know as much information as you can about any breed of dog before you adopt one. And, since the German Shepherd is a lot of dog, you need to know a lot of German Shepherd information before adopting or purchasing one! Not all dogs are alike. If you've never lived with a large dog or a very active dog before, then you are going to be in for a surprise with a German Shepherd. Hopefully, this will be a welcome surprise.

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.

Daily life with a German Shepherd should include a lot of interaction and fuss with your family and your dog. They love to be in the center of the action and are strong enough to force their way to the center of the action if not supervised. Keeping the dog exercised, including games and playing in the yard will help to keep his or her energy levels down. German Shepherds are not vicious by nature, but they can play rough, just like puppies do.

The most common problem is hip dysplasia, which makes the hind legs crippled. This is a treatable condition that often involves X-rays and surgery. Many German Shepherds are abandoned just because the owners were not willing to pay the vet bills. You must be committed to caring for the dog's health over luxuries for yourself. Many older German Shepherds also become blind, but dogs deal with blindness a lot better than people. The companionship of a German Shepherd should not have a price tag placed upon it.

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.

Another point not usually touted in German Shepherd information from the AKC is that they often have health problems. The German Shepherd Rescue of North Carolina has estimated that care of a German Shepherd Dog costs about three thousand dollars per year, and German Shepherds live into their teens.

If you take on a German Shepherd be committed to taking care of them financially as well as with affection, proper grooming, diligent training and proper nutrition.

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About the Author

About the author: Jan Ryan is a passionate lover of the German Shepherd and owns a popular website that can teach you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved German Shepherd. Among other topics at this website, you will find out more about German Shepherd Working Dogs plus a whole lot more.  

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