German Shepherd

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Kia is a German Shepherd, she’s not a pedigree because her mum was a mixture of two dogs but looked completely German Shepherd. Kia is by nature a German Shepherd, the only way people can tell she isn’t a pedigree is because she is very dainty.

A little History

On April 22, 1899, the German Captain Max von Stephanitz founded the ‘Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (SV)’, the first parent club of the breed now known ...
...it. From this date the German Shepherd as a specific breed had arrived.
The dog was called Hektor Linksrhein but was later named Horand v Grafeth by Von Stephanitz, who used the animal as the basis on which much future development would be made. Horand was greatly admired by many breeders who were quick to use him in their breeding programs. Not surprisingly, he became the dog that best exemplified the goals of early breeders.

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Kia is the very first dog I have every owned that has been my own. As a child we had many different types of dogs, Chihuahuas, Belgian Shepherds, mongrels and many more (not all at the same time) each dog comes with its own unique character and its own mannerisms.
Kia is a German Shepherd, she’s not a pedigree because her mum was a mixture of two dogs but looked completely German Shepherd. Kia is by nature a German Shepherd, the only way people can tell she isn’t a pedigree is because she is very dainty.

A little History

On April 22, 1899, the German Captain Max von Stephanitz founded the ‘Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (SV)’, the first parent club of the breed now known as the German Shepherd Dog.
Von Stephanitz had long admired the qualities of intelligence, strength, and ability found in many native sheepdog breeds but had yet to see one which embodied all of his ideals. Chance was to play its part, and while visiting a show with a friend in 1899, he saw a dog that impressed him greatly to all accounts so much that then and there he purchased the dog and promptly formed a society, the Verein fur deutsche Schaferhunde or SV as it is called. This was a milestone in the breed’s history and marked the beginning of a new era for it. From this date the German Shepherd as a specific breed had arrived.
The dog was called Hektor Linksrhein but was later named Horand v Grafeth by Von Stephanitz, who used the animal as the basis on which much future development would be made. Horand was greatly admired by many breeders who were quick to use him in their breeding programs. Not surprisingly, he became the dog that best exemplified the goals of early breeders.

With the oncoming of the twentieth century, and having seen the SV develop into the largest single breed club in the world, Von Stephanitz was turning his attention to the long-term future. He was able to foresee that in a growing industrialized nation the role of the pastoral shepherd dog would decline and the breed must be able to adapt to other work if it were to continue as a functional animal.

It seemed that the very qualities that made the German Shepherd such an exceptional sheepdog could well be put to good use by government departments. This was the thinking of Von Stephanitz and this was to be his next campaign. As always, he achieved this and during World War I was seen as messenger dog, rescue dog, sentry dog, and personal guard dog. Servicemen from the USA, UK, and the Commonwealth would see first hand the dog’s bravery, intelligence, and steadfastness, and many stories were taken back home. Not surprisingly, a number of dogs were acquired by servicemen and transported home with them.

In 1919, when the English Kennel Club gave the breed a separate register, some 54 animals were included, but by 1926 the ranks had swelled to 8,058, such was the unprecedented success of the dog. At the end of the War it was thought that the breed would not flourish were the word German to appear in its name and it was therefore decided to call the breed the Alsatian Wolf Dog after the German-French border area of Alsace-Lorraine. The “Wolf Dog” tag was later to be dropped—again as it was felt that this would prejudice the breed. Thus we had for many years the misnomer of the breed brought about by national hostilities. In 1977, following numerous campaigns by breeders the name of the breed was changed back to the German Shepherd Dog by which it is known in the USA, Australia, and most other countries.

So this may clear up the misconception between German Shepherd and Alsatian dogs, they are actually the same thing (something I was unaware of) but were called differently because their name had the word German in it and after the War anything with the word German in it wouldn’t have flourished!
With the breed arriving in Britain mainly on the strength of its reputation as a war dog, its sterling qualities as a sheepdog were largely overlooked. At that time, Britain already had a string of quality working sheepdogs such as Collies, Corgis, and Old English Sheepdogs. Therefore, the pattern of development of the German Shepherd in the USA, UK, and Australia was to be dictated by its adaptability. The Seeing Eye dogs in the USA and Britain were predominantly German Shepherds and only later did the Labrador challenge this position.
At the outbreak of World War II, the trained dogs of the Allied Forces were seen wherever the troops traveled, spreading the breed’s popularity like a blanket around the world.
ABOUT GERMAN SHEPHERD DOGS
Other Names:
Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund
Classification: They belong to the Herding Dog Group
General Appearance: The German Shepherd dog is a medium to large sized breed with erect pointed ears, a long body, and a weather resistant coat. Most of them have a medium double coat and dark-brown eyes. They also usually have a small dark black mole like feature on their face. They are usually dark black and tan in color.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION
Eye Color: Usually dark brown
Lips: Firm, not pendulous
Ear type: Ear is erect and pricked
Temperament: Loyal, responsive, protective, and intelligent.
Average lifespan: 10-15 years

Measurements and weights:
Males:
Height at the wither: 24 to 26 Inches (60 cm to 65 cm)
Weight: 60-130 pounds (30 to 40 kg)
Females:
Height at the wither: 22 to 24 Inches (55 cm TO 60 cm)
Weight: 45-110 pounds (22 to 32 kg)

Coat Colour: The most popular colors are black and tan or a mixture with a dark saddle. There are also pure black and pure white shepherds.
Coat Type: Medium length (1 1/2 to 2 inches) which is a double coat. Long haired individuals occur in the breed, as does the occasional woolly and curly coat.
COMMON HEALTH RISKS
Hip Dysphasia: a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness, and arthritis.

Degenerative Myelopathy: Progressive rear limb weakness or Paralysis - The age at onset is usually between 5 to 14 years. Cases have been reported in almost all large breeds of dogs, with the disease appearing with relative frequency only in the German Shepherds. This suggests that there is a predisposition for German Shepherd dogs to develop DM. There may be discomfort due to arthritis in the hip or lower lumbar (lower back) area, but this usually improves with activity. Over days, weeks or months the patient becomes progressively weaker as is evidenced by "shuffling" of the rear limbs and lack of coordination. Finally, full paralysis coupled with fecal and urinary incontinence develops.

Pancreatic Insufficiency: A pancreatic disease that results in inability to digest food properly. Depending on severity of disease, remedy is usually low cost and easy; just require enzyme powders to be sprinkled on food to help digest food.

Kia has a very special dietary requirement as she has a problem with her digestive system, this doesn’t mean that it is expensive though.
I buy Kia ‘Chappie’ dog food, which is cheaper than pedigree chum which she was on before I discovered there was something wrong with her. She wasn’t putting on weight so I decided to take her to the vet, he advised me to put her on Chappie and now she is doing just fine! I feed her twice a day still, because she is very slight, I feed her a bowl with half biscuit mixer and half Chappie.

Gastric Torsion (Bloat): A life threatening sudden illness. Because of the dog's deep-seated chest, the dog's stomach may twist so that nothing can past through the esophagus to the stomach or through the stomach to the intestine, causing gas to build up. A large amount of activity, such as vigorous running before or after eating or drinking water, can exacerbate bloating.

Epilepsy- seizures
Megaesophagous (Dilated Esophagus):
The result of this condition is regurgitation, and frequently leads to aspiration pneumonia. Megaesophagus interferes with effective peristalsis thereby preventing food from passing down into the stomach.
Treatment for congenital megaesophagus in puppies is primarily directed toward maintaining and improving the nutritional status of the pup. Food and water are usually given by raising the bowls up off of the floor (raising the bowls helps facilitate swallowing).

Pannus: A chronic inflammation of the corneal surface and, in most cases, of the conjunctiva of the eye. The disease generally manifests itself in dogs between the ages of three and five. It first appears in the outer regions of the cornea and, in almost all cases, affects both eyes simultaneously.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above mentioned common health risks in German Shepherd dogs are for informational purposes only. For detailed information, please always consult with your veterinarian.
Ok, so now all the facts and figures have been dealt with this is what it is like to own a German Shepherd dog!
TRAINABILITY

German Shepherds are very intelligent and responsive. They need obedience training early in life, particularly those that are boisterous, strong minded and dominating. A well-socialized German Shepherd dog is easier to introduce to new people and situations and generally makes an overall more stable companion

My dog, Kia, is reasonably well trained. However, I am far too soft on her. I let her sit on the couch with me and lay at the bottom of my bed. If my boyfriend is in bed, he goes mad. She has got a cushion at the end of our bed, which is where she is meant to sleep, but in the night, she will creep up on to our bed until she gets thrown out of the bed! If I had trained her not to sleep on the bed, she wouldn’t ever get on the bed however, she knows I am too soft with her!
It took me exactly one day to train her to sit, lay down give me her paw and roll over. She was very young and she is so intelligent that she learnt really quickly that she would get a reward for doing these things.

FUN THINGS TO DO

German Shepherd Dogs are herders by nature. Walking, jogging, running and hiking can be good exercise for both you and your pet. The dog (with his/her herding instinct) will naturally try to "herd" you and your companions in order to better protect you. Games that require mental and physical agility are well suited to this breed. Exercises that require tracking and hiding would be fun for them too.

When I take Kia for a walk, she always lies down when another dog or person approaches, her eyes are pricked, and she is waiting to see if they come closer so she can protect me from the apparent danger. If she judges them to be friendly she will go over and take a closer look, if not she will bark at them as a warning for me that they may not be safe!

By nature a German Shepherd is wary of strangers, though once one is accepted by him he is a friend for life. She is an efficient obedience worker, quick to learn and what is learned will never be forgotten. It is an active breed and thrives on work—little is beyond its capabilities.

She loves human companionship and will respond to her owner’s mood whether this be lying quietly by his side or romping across the fields; indeed, at all times, her one desire is to be with you and to please you.

Kia follows me where ever I go, even if I am just going for a wee! This can get a bit annoying when she gets under your feet whilst cooking but I always think it’s really sweet that no matter where in the house I am so too is she!
She has a keen sense of humor and enjoys playful games yet, in defense of those she loves, can become a frightening adversary that one would be well advised to keep clear of. She can fit into a flat or a mansion as the need may be, for she is happy wherever you are happy.

The thing about German Shepherds is they don’t need much space, as long as they get the exercise they need they will quite happily sit on a little rug beside you all night. Kia actually tried to sit on my knee, but I won’t let her!

In bringing a German Shepherd into your home, you are making an addition to your family and he will quickly feel a part of it. Your house, your garden, your possessions and in fact all that you own will from then on be in her special care. She needs your love, but she needs also correct attention to her grooming, exercise, food, and general welfare. Given these, your German Shepherd will devote her very life to you and you will be the richer for this and for the companionship and love you both will share.

German Shepherd dogs are for some one who has the time and effort to put into a dog. They need to go for two long walks everyday, preferably with some sort of toys that you can throw, which will make them run. Kia has a solid rubber ball on the end of a rope which really tires her out, to the point where she will lay down and look at me as if to say ‘you fetch it’.

They are not as expensive as I thought she would be, Kia cost me nothing as the people who were selling her just wanted to get rid of the puppies as they had 9 of them, and because only the dad was a pedigree they couldn’t sell them for a lot of money.

Her injections only cost me 10 pounds each from the RSPCA because I am a student, people on benefits get a similar rate if not free injections. Puppies need to be wormed every month and de- fleed just as regularly. The only stuff that I find works for flees is called ‘frontline’ and this is available from the vets.

Vets are expensive, therefore it is essential to get your pet insured. Kia is insured with ‘More Than’ insurance. It costs me about 12 pounds a month (because she is not a pedigree) I think it would be more expensive if she were. This includes if I lose her, they put up a cash reward, if she gets ill they pay for treatment over 60 pounds and if she dies I get compensation.

I have found Kia to be the most loving and gentle dog I have every owned, I have three step kids and they absolutely love her, she is never rough with them but she will let them know if she has had enough of them jumping on her, she will bark and run off to her bed.

Kia is quite noisy, she barks at anyone coming, but I think this is quite a good thing because it is less likely that a burglar will come into our house knowing that she is there with her teeth bared! Even people we let into the house she will bark at until we have introduced them to her and they have stroked her and made friends with her. She never forgets people either, my mum has only been to see her twice because she lives in Holland but she didn’t forget her and wagged her tail furiously when she came in!
All in all I would say she is the best dog I have ever had, loyal, loving and definitely a woman’s best friend!

Some of this information was obtained from http://www.amberixs.co.uk/

 

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