DESCRIPTION - the German Shepherd dog breed resembles the appearance of its ancestor, the Wolf. Shepherds are working dogs and were bred initially to herd sheep and to act as guard dogs.

Prior to being recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931, this breed experienced several changes in name throughout WWI, essentially due to the breed's German heritage.

GERMAN SHEPHERD TEMPERAMENT – this breed scores high in relation to its training adaptability, watchdog status, and protection ability. Although affection and playfulness isn't ranked as high as some dog breeds, the German Shepherd is often the ideal choice as a family pet.

The German Shepherd breed is seen to be a bit suspicious with other animals and with strange people. Even so, they can be gentle and tame with children and other household pets.

CARE – the Shepherd is in need of physical and mental challenges on a daily basis. A long walk or run outside is ideal. Obedience lessons come easy to this breed, as the German Shepherd is extremely intelligent.

HEALTH INFORMATION – the health concerns that need to be known with German Shepherd dogs include Elbow Dysplasia and CHD. Additional health concerns to affect this breed are Hot Spots, Gastric Torsion, Degenerative Myelopathy, Cataracts, Malignant Neoplasms, Hemangiosarcome, and Skin Allergies.