Deutscher Schäferhund: Temperament, Pflege und Haltung

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Posted Oct 22, 2024

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The Deutscher Schäferhund, or German Shepherd, is a breed known for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective nature. They are highly trainable and thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Their high energy levels mean they require regular exercise, ideally a minimum of 30 minutes per day. This can be a combination of walks, runs, and playtime.

German Shepherds are also known for their strong herding instincts, which can sometimes be misdirected towards other pets or even people. Consistent training and socialization from an early age can help mitigate this.

With proper care and attention, German Shepherds can live up to 13 years or more, making them a long-term companion.

Deutscher Schäferhund: Wesen und Temperament

The Deutscher Schäferhund is a highly intelligent breed that thrives on mental and physical stimulation. They are naturally curious and love to learn, making them a great choice for active families or individuals who enjoy training and interacting with their dogs.

Credit: youtube.com, Rasseportrait: Deutscher Schäferhund

Their temperament is characterized by a strong work ethic, loyalty, and a protective instinct. They are naturally wary of strangers and will defend their family if they feel threatened.

One of the most notable characteristics of the Deutscher Schäferhund is their ability to form strong bonds with their family members. They are known to be extremely loyal and will often follow their owners everywhere.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for police and military work, search and rescue, and therapy dog roles.

Here are some key characteristics of the Deutscher Schäferhund:

  • Intelligent, lernwillig, arbeitsbereit
  • Ausgeglichen, nervenstark und selbstsicher
  • Treu, leicht zu führen, kinderfreundlich
  • Bewegungsfreude, Sportlichkeit, Vielseitigkeit
  • Wachsam und ausgeprägten Beschützerinstinkt.

Their high energy levels and strong prey drive make them well-suited for active families who enjoy outdoor activities and can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Erziehung und Pflege

The German Shepherd is a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. It's essential to provide at least four hours of physical and mental activity daily, which is more than just a short walk or two.

Credit: youtube.com, Deutscher Schäferhund ▶︎ Charakter, Pflege & Haltung ✅

To prevent dominance behaviors, it's crucial to establish a consistent and firm leadership role. This means being patient, understanding, and rewarding good behavior with praise and treats.

Regular grooming is also vital for the German Shepherd's health and well-being. Brush their coat at least once a week to prevent matting and tangling, and consider trimming their fur to prevent overgrowth.

Erziehung für Anfänger

The Deutsche Schäferhund is not a beginner-friendly breed, so it's essential to be consistent in its training and socialization from an early age. You need to establish yourself as the pack leader, or the dog may develop dominant behaviors or a strong prey drive.

This can lead to problems, especially considering the breed's size and strength. To avoid this, use positive reinforcement techniques like patience, empathy, and rewards like treats. A well-trained Deutsche Schäferhund needs a lot of physical and mental stimulation, at least four hours a day, to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Credit: youtube.com, Hund zieht ein I Bindung ab dem ersten Tag richtig aufbauen I Hundeerziehung verständlich erklärt

You can't just take the dog for a walk or let it do its business for an hour or two; it needs more than that. In fact, the breed is not suitable for homes with stairs, as it can be stressful for the dog to climb up and down them regularly. If you're considering getting a Deutsche Schäferhund, make sure you have a suitable living space that meets its needs.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Cattle Herding Dogs Breeds

Social Interaction

Deutsche Schäferhunde sind sehr soziale Hunde und brauchen engen Kontakt zu ihren Besitzern. Sie möchten als Teil der Familie angesehen werden und lieben es, Zeit mit ihren Menschen zu verbringen.

Regelmäßige soziale Interaktion ist sehr wichtig für ihr Wohlbefinden. Deutsche Schäferhunde sollten daher nicht lange Zeit alleine gelassen werden.

Zeit mit ihren Menschen zu verbringen ist für Deutsche Schäferhunde sehr wichtig. Sie lieben gemeinsame Aktivitäten und körperliche Nähe.

Richtige Pflege

Regular grooming is essential for your German Shepherd's overall health and well-being.

German Shepherd Dog
Credit: pexels.com, German Shepherd Dog

You should brush your German Shepherd's coat regularly, depending on its length, to remove loose hair and dirt.

It's crucial to prioritize dental care for your furry friend, as poor oral health can lead to a range of issues, including decreased appetite and bad breath.

Daily tooth brushing with a specific dog toothbrush is recommended, and you can also use dog chew toys to help maintain their oral health.

The eyes of your German Shepherd require minimal maintenance, but it's essential to clean any dirt that accumulates in the corners with a damp, lint-free cloth.

In most cases, your German Shepherd's ears don't need special care, but occasionally, you may need to wipe away dirt and debris with a damp cloth.

The nails of your German Shepherd typically wear down naturally during regular walks, but if they become too long, you can trim them yourself with the help of a veterinarian.

It's vital to establish a regular grooming routine with your German Shepherd, starting from an early age, to prevent potential issues.

For another approach, see: Black and White Herding Dog

Geschichte und Herkunft

Credit: youtube.com, 5 gute Gründe FÜR einen SCHÄFERHUND / DDR Linie / Geschichte deutscher Schäferhund

The Deutsche Schäferhund has a rich history that spans centuries. Offiziell entstanden ist diese Hunderasse im 19. Jahrhundert.

Max von Stephanitz, a German Kavallerieoffizier, is credited with creating the breed by having the vision to züchten a good Arbeitshund. The Deutsche Schäferhund was initially bred for its versatility and ability to perform various tasks.

As early as the 7. Jahrhundert, the ancestors of the Deutsche Schäferhund were living in Deutschland, where they were tasked with Hüten and Treiben the Schafherde. These stockhaarigen Hunde had a broad range of responsibilities.

The Deutsche Schäferhund's popularity soared in the early 20. Jahrhundert, with Polizei, Zoll, and Militär recognizing its potential and utilizing it for various tasks, such as searching for vermisste Personen and detecting Drogen.

Körperbau und Größe

The German Shepherd's body is a bit longer than tall, with a strong back and well-muscled chest. This gives him a distinctive, almost wolf-like appearance.

His hindquarters are slightly sloping, which adds to his unique look. You'll notice his strong head with medium-sized eyes and erect ears, which contribute to his attentive and intelligent demeanor.

Roughly, males reach a shoulder height of 60-65 cm, while females are slightly smaller at 55-60 cm. This variation in size is a natural part of the breed.

Males typically weigh between 30-40 kg, while females are generally lighter, weighing between 22-32 kg.

Körperbau

Credit: youtube.com, Körperbau des Deutschen Schäferhundes !

The German Shepherd's body is a bit longer than it is tall, with a strong back and a well-muscled chest. This gives him a distinctive, almost wolf-like appearance.

His strong back is a key feature of his build. The German Shepherd has a robust and athletic physique, which is evident in his broad shoulders and well-developed muscles.

A German Shepherd's hindquarters are slightly sloping, which adds to his overall balance and agility. This is a result of his natural gait, which is both energetic and effortless.

His head is sturdy and well-proportioned, with medium-sized eyes that are always alert and intelligent. His erect ears are always perked up, giving him a keen and attentive look.

The German Shepherd's facial structure is characterized by a straight muzzle and a black nose. He has a full set of teeth, with 42 teeth in total. This is a testament to his robust health and well-being.

Größe

When it comes to the size of these animals, it's interesting to note that the males tend to be slightly larger than the females. The rüden, or male dogs, reach a shoulder height of about 60-65 cm.

Their size is quite impressive, and it's not hard to see why they're often used for certain tasks. The hündinnen, or female dogs, are slightly smaller, with a shoulder height of about 55-60 cm.

Gewicht

Full length of happy senior husband and wife strolling hand in hand with German Shepherd dog while looking at each other with love spending time together in autumnal park
Credit: pexels.com, Full length of happy senior husband and wife strolling hand in hand with German Shepherd dog while looking at each other with love spending time together in autumnal park

When looking at the weight of a specific breed, it's interesting to note that it can vary depending on the individual animal. Rüden typically weigh between 30-40 kg.

One of the most notable differences in weight is between males and females. Weibchen are significantly lighter, weighing only 22-32 kg.

The weight range for males is relatively consistent, with most Rüden falling within the 30-40 kg bracket.

Fell

The Deutsche Schäferhunde's coat is a remarkable feature, and it's worth noting that it's a dense, straight, and closely lying coat, known as stockhaar. This dense undercoat protects the dog from both cold and moisture.

Their coat colors vary and range from black to brown and beige tones. It's common for the coat to be two-toned, with the body having a lighter color and the back, ears, and face being darker.

Gesundheit und Lebenserwartung

Die durchschnittliche Lebenserwartung eines Deutschen Schäferhundes liegt in der Regel zwischen 9 und 13 Jahren.

Credit: youtube.com, Mein Deutscher Schäferhund Welpe Nora nach 1 Jahr | Entwicklung, Charakter & Training

Einige Rassenpezifische Krankheiten, an denen Deutsche Schäferhunde leiden, sind Hüftdysplasie (HD), Ellenbogendysplasie (ED) und Degenerative Myelopathie (DM).

Hüftdysplasie bezeichnet eine genetisch bedingte Fehlbildung der Hüftgelenke, die zu Schmerzen, Lahmheit und Einschränkungen des Bewegungsapparates führen kann.

Ellenbogendysplasie ist eine Fehlbildung der Ellenbogengelenke, die ebenfalls zu Schmerzen, Lahmheit und Bewegungseinschränkungen führen kann.

Degenerative Myelopathie ist eine genetische Erkrankung des Rückenmarks, die zu fortschreitenden Lähmungen und Beeinträchtigungen des Bewegungsapparates führen kann.

Es ist wichtig, dass du dir die Frage stellst, ob du dem Deutschen Schäferhund für die lange Zeit ein schönes Zuhause bieten kannst.

Die folgenden Krankheiten sind bei Deutschen Schäferhunden häufig anzutreffen:

  • Hüftgelenksdysplasie (HD)
  • Ellenbogendysplasie (ED)
  • Degenerative Myelopathie (DM)
  • Magendrehung
  • Schilddrüsenunterfunktion
  • Von-Willebrand-Erkrankung (Blutgerinnungsstörung)
  • Myelodysplastisches Syndrom (Knochenmarkerkrankung)
  • Pankreatitis (Bauchspeicheldrüsenentzündung)
  • Analfisteln (Störung des Immunsystems)
  • Epilepsie
  • Hämangiosarkom (aggressiver Gefäßtumor)
  • Osteosarkom (Knochentumor)

Beschäftigung und Ernährung

To keep your Deutsche Schäferhund happy and healthy, you need to provide them with the right amount of exercise and nutrition. A high-energy breed, they require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Genetic tests can help identify potential health issues in your puppy, so make sure to choose a reputable breeder who has performed these tests. This will give you a better understanding of your dog's genetic predisposition to certain health problems.

A balanced and nutritious diet is essential for your Deutsche Schäferhund's overall health, particularly for their joints and bones. Consider a high-quality, grain-free dog food that meets their nutritional needs, and adjust their diet as they grow and mature.

You might enjoy: Sheep Dog Herding

Arbeitsfreude

Senior wife wearing wide scarf and headband smiling while sitting on ground in autumnal forest with delicate flowers in hands near elderly gray haired husband in warm clothes while walking with German Shepherd dog and looking at each other
Credit: pexels.com, Senior wife wearing wide scarf and headband smiling while sitting on ground in autumnal forest with delicate flowers in hands near elderly gray haired husband in warm clothes while walking with German Shepherd dog and looking at each other

Deutsche Schäferhunde sind von Natur aus arbeitsfreudig, da sie ursprünglich als Hütehunde gezüchtet wurden. Sie haben ein hohes Energielevel und benötigen ausreichend Beschäftigung, um glücklich und ausgeglichen zu sein.

Genetische Tests der Zuchttiere sollen das Auftreten von Erbkrankheiten verringern. Ein Zuchtwert gibt Auskunft darüber, inwieweit der Welpe für eine Erkrankung vorbelastet ist.

Um Ihren Schäferhund zufriedenzustellen, sollten Sie sich auf seine Bedürfnisse einstellen. Wandern und ausgedehnte Spaziergänge sind ideale Möglichkeiten, um Ihrem Hund körperliche Auslastung zu bieten.

Einige weitere Beschäftigungsideen für Ihren Schäferhund sind:

  • Radfahren
  • Joggen (nur ab dem ersten Jahr)
  • Schwimmen
  • Apportieren
  • Hundesport
  • Nasenarbeit
  • Rettungs- und Suchhundearbeit
  • Schutz- oder Polizeidienst

Gesunde Ernährung

A healthy diet is crucial for your German Shepherd's overall well-being. Choose a high-quality, balanced food that provides all necessary nutrients.

As German Shepherds are prone to joint and bone problems, it's essential to select a food that supports their growth and development. For puppies, consider a food specifically formulated for large breeds to prevent excessive growth.

A well-balanced diet will keep your adult German Shepherd strong and healthy, with a shiny coat. If your dog is highly active, look for a food with high energy content to meet their needs.

As your dog ages, consider a food that supports joint health and mobility. This can help prevent future problems and keep your dog comfortable.

Kauf und Haltung

Credit: youtube.com, VORTEILE DEUTSCHER SCHÄFERHUNDE 🐕❤️ (die 6 wichtigsten Gründe für eine Adoption)

If you're considering getting a Deutscher Schäferhund, you should know that buying from a reputable breeder is a good option. A serious breeder will be transparent and answer all your questions, and they'll make sure their dogs are healthy by regularly taking them to the vet.

You should also consider the purpose of getting a Deutscher Schäferhund, as most breeders specialize in specific traits. If you want a strong herding instinct, you'll need to find a breeder who focuses on that.

To find the right breeder, ask about their breeding philosophy and whether they prioritize looks or working ability. Some breeders will focus on one or the other, so it's essential to choose one that aligns with your goals.

You can also consider adopting a Deutscher Schäferhund from a shelter or rescue organization. They often have dogs of various breeds waiting for a new home.

As for the care and exercise needs of a Deutscher Schäferhund, they're a high-energy breed that requires regular physical and mental stimulation. They need daily walks and playtime, and they'll appreciate activities like agility training or herding exercises.

Credit: youtube.com, 5 Gründe gegen einen Schäferhund 🐶

Here are some tips for providing the right environment for your Deutscher Schäferhund:

  • Provide regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
  • Consider enrolling them in obedience training or agility classes.
  • Make sure they have plenty of space to run around and play.
  • Don't overexert them, especially when they're young – they'll need time to develop their bones and joints.

Haltung: Wollen Gebraucht Werden

A Deutscher Schäferhund is a working dog and wants to be used within a family. This means they need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to be happy and well-behaved.

You'll need to have time for long walks and bike rides with your dog. A German Shepherd is also a great candidate for dog sports or training.

It's a good idea to start with short, gentle exercise and avoid stairs with your puppy.

Anschaffung: Wo?

If you're looking to bring a German Shepherd into your life, there are several options to consider. You can acquire one from a reputable breeder, who will be transparent and answer all your questions.

A serious breeder will prioritize the health of their dogs by regular veterinary check-ups and won't separate the puppies from their mother too early. They'll also ensure early socialization by exposing the puppies to people and other dogs.

For another approach, see: How Long Are German Shepherds Puppies

Credit: youtube.com, Farbratten Anschaffung / Haltung #2 | PLANUNG VOR DER ANSCHAFFUNG

Alternatively, you can consider adopting a German Shepherd from a shelter or animal protection organization. Many shelters have dogs of various breeds waiting for a loving home.

Before choosing a breeder, it's essential to determine the purpose of acquiring a German Shepherd. Different breeders specialize in various lines, focusing on characteristics like herding ability or working drive.

Züchtung und Preis

The cost of a German Shepherd can vary depending on its origin, coat, age, and sex. For a dog recognized by the VDH/FCI, the purchase price can range from 900 to 1,000 euros.

The monthly expenses for a German Shepherd can be around 60 euros for high-quality food and veterinary care, including check-ups, vaccinations, deworming, and anti-parasite medication.

There are two main approaches to breeding German Shepherds: high breeding and performance breeding. The high breeding method focuses on creating a larger, more muscular dog with a sloping back, while the performance breeding method prioritizes a leaner, more agile dog with good herding abilities.

Stammeseltern

Close-Up Shot of a German Shepherd Dog
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of a German Shepherd Dog

The foundation of the German Shepherd breed lies in its Stammeseltern, or foundation parents. Stephanitz's efforts were heavily focused on Horand von Grafrath and his brother Luchs von Sparwasser.

Horand von Grafrath was the first dog to be registered in the breeding book of the Vereins für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV). Stephanitz purchased Horand in 1898 and renamed him from Hektor von Linksrhein.

These two brothers were the cornerstone of Stephanitz's breeding program.

Züchtung: Hochzucht Leistungszucht

The German Shepherd breed has undergone significant changes through selective breeding. The breed has become larger and more muscular over time, but some critics argue that this has come at the expense of its original agility and agility.

The original type of German Shepherd was notably lighter and less muscular, but more agile and nimble. This is no longer the case, as the breed has been bred to be larger and more massive.

Today, there are two distinct lines of German Shepherd breeding: Hochzucht and Leistungszucht. Hochzucht, or beauty breeding, prioritizes a more muscular build and a sloping back, often referred to as a "Fließheck".

Leistungszucht, on the other hand, focuses on breeding a lighter type of German Shepherd, emphasizing good working dog qualities.

Preis

Low angle of adorable Old German Shepherd dog sitting on green lawn in yard on sunny day
Credit: pexels.com, Low angle of adorable Old German Shepherd dog sitting on green lawn in yard on sunny day

The price of a German Shepherd can vary depending on several factors. For a dog recognized by the VDH/FCI, the purchase price can range from 900 to 1,000 €.

A healthy and well-checked puppy is not cheap, as you'd expect. The average monthly costs for high-quality food and pet care, including vet visits and vaccinations, amount to around 60 €.

A purebred German Shepherd puppy costs around 800 €, which is relatively low compared to other breeds.

For more insights, see: American German Shepherd Puppy

Wissenswertes Weitere Informationen

The Deutscher Schäferhund is a unique breed with a rich history. They come in many different forms around the world, with some breeds like the Belgian Malinois being much slimmer and others like the Ungarischer Puli having a long, fluffy coat.

There are many other Schäferhund breeds out there, including the Altdeutscher Schäferhund, Weißer/Schweizer Schäferhund, and Französischer Schäferhund (Beauceron).

The Deutscher Schäferhund has a strong protective instinct, which is a result of its ancestry from the württembergischen and thüringischen Hütehund.

A fresh viewpoint: German Dogs Breeds

Credit: youtube.com, Deutscher Schäferhund: Informationen zur Rasse

Interestingly, the mother of the first Deutscher Schäferhund, Horand von Grafrath, was a mix between a dog and a wolf. This led to some aggressive offspring, which is why breeding was eventually stopped.

The Deutscher Schäferhund is considered a Listenhund in the Swiss canton of Tessin, but its ownership is not regulated in Germany.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ist ein Deutscher Schäferhund für Anfänger?

Ein Deutscher Schäferhund ist kein Anfängerhund, er benötigt eine gute Sozialisierung und Erziehung. Wenn du dich für einen Deutschen Schäferhund entscheidest, solltest du bereit sein, ihn für über 12 Jahre lang zu versorgen.

Sind deutsche Schäferhunde schwer zu erziehen?

Deutsche Schäferhunde sind nicht schwer zu erziehen, aber sie benötigen eine gute Ausbildung und genügende Beschäftigung, um harmonische Beziehungen in der Familie zu gewährleisten

Ist ein Schäferhund kinderlieb?

Ja, ein gut sozialisierter Schäferhund ist kinderlieb und kann daher als Familienhund gehalten werden.

Carol Witting

Senior Assigning Editor

Carol Witting is a seasoned Assigning Editor with a passion for curating engaging content across various topics. With a keen eye for storytelling, she has successfully overseen articles on a wide range of subjects, from in-depth guides to informative pieces. Carol's expertise lies in assigning and editing articles that cater to diverse interests and needs.