German Guard Dogs Characteristics and Training

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Posted Oct 11, 2024

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Adult Black and Tan German Shepherd
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German Guard Dogs are known for their loyal and protective nature, making them a popular choice for families and businesses looking for a reliable security companion. They are intelligent and trainable, but also require consistent and patient training to reach their full potential.

German Guard Dogs are often used as guard dogs due to their large size and intimidating appearance, but it's not just about looks - they have a strong instinct to defend their family and territory. Their natural guarding ability makes them a great asset for security purposes.

One of the most notable characteristics of German Guard Dogs is their high level of intelligence, which allows them to quickly learn and adapt to new situations and commands. This intelligence also makes them more trainable than some other breeds, but they still require consistent effort and positive reinforcement.

History and Facts

The German Shepherd Guard Dog has a rich history that dates back to 1899 when Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz purchased Hektor Linksrhein, the first registered German Shepherd.

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Originally bred in Germany to herd and guard farmer's sheep, German Shepherds have a long history of working as service dogs in various capacities, including police, military, and farming.

German Shepherds were introduced to both the USA and the UK after World War 1 to continue their work as working dogs.

Three Historic Facts

German Shepherds have a rich history as working dogs. They were originally bred in Germany to herd and guard farmer's sheep as far back as 1899.

The first registered German Shepherd was Hektor Linksrhein, purchased by Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz in 1899. He believed strongly in breeding a working dog with the swiftness and intelligence of the shepherding dogs.

German Shepherds were introduced to both the USA and the UK after World War 1 to continue as working dogs.

Why Great

German Shepherds have a remarkable history as guard dogs, dating back to 1899 when they were bred in Germany to herd and guard farmer's sheep.

Adult Black and Brown German Shepherd Lying on Floor
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Their intelligence and trainability make them a popular choice for security personnel. They can learn commands for a variety of jobs and respond quickly and reliably.

German Shepherds are high-energy dogs that thrive on having a consistent job or activity to focus on. This energy can be channeled into protecting their surroundings and family.

Their loyalty and courage make them steadfast in their desire to guard their loved ones. They are vigilant when it comes to protecting their home.

Here are some key traits that make a great guard dog:

  • High intelligence and trainability
  • Strength and athleticism
  • Instinct to protect and guard

These traits, combined with their natural propensity for protecting their surroundings and family, make German Shepherds an ideal choice for security solutions.

German Guard Dog Characteristics

German Shepherd guard dogs are trained to protect a place, specifically private property such as homes or businesses.

Their temperament is naturally level-headed and even, making them a great choice for home and premises security.

With proper training, German Shepherd guard dogs can be trained to attack on command and are often perceived as aggressive, but they are also trained to stop their actions.

They are highly trainable and used in police and military work, making them a popular choice for families who want a loyal and loving companion.

German Shepherd guard dogs have a double coat that requires brushing, but their grooming needs are fairly low-maintenance.

Their Height

Photo of a Jumping German Shepherd
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German Shepherd guard dogs are impressive in stature, with an average height range of 60-65cm for males and 55-60cm for females.

Their compact size makes them perfect for patrolling homes and businesses without being intimidating.

Their Temperament

German Shepherd guard dogs are naturally level-headed and even-tempered, making them a perfect choice for home and premises security.

Their temperament is characterized by a calm and composed attitude, which is essential for a guard dog that needs to remain focused and in control.

German Shepherd guard dogs are trained to attack on command and are often perceived as aggressive, but they are also trained to stop their actions, showing that they can be both fierce and gentle.

Their loyalty and love for their family make them a great companion, and their level-headed nature helps them to navigate complex situations with ease.

As a result, German Shepherd guard dogs are a popular choice for families and individuals who need a reliable and trustworthy protector.

Training and Behavior

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Training a German shepherd pup as early as possible is crucial for their obedience and future guard dog work. The younger they are, the more receptive they will be to training. Teach them basic commands like 'sit' and 'down' to establish control.

Socialization is also key, especially during the first year. Puppies should be exposed to various environments, people, and situations to help them develop a sense of what's normal and not fearful of strangers. This will lay the foundation for their future guard dog work and help them distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar people.

You should start formal training around 9 months, but be patient and remember that natural guarding instincts typically surface between 1-2 years of age when they mature mentally and sexually.

Obedience Training

Obedience training is a crucial part of training a German Shepherd to be a guard dog. You need to start training your pup as early as possible, the younger he is, the more receptive he will be. Teach him all the basic commands, such as 'sit', 'down', etc. This will help assert your control.

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Teaching your German Shepherd to obey basic commands will make a huge difference in his behavior and response to situations. You can start with simple commands like 'sit' and 'stay', and gradually move on to more complex ones like 'leave it' and 'heel'.

To get the most out of obedience training, you need to be consistent and patient. German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, but they can be stubborn at times. Make sure to reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior.

Here's a list of essential commands to teach your German Shepherd:

  • Sit
  • Down
  • Stay
  • Leave it
  • Heel

Remember, obedience training is an ongoing process that requires time and effort. With patience and consistency, you can teach your German Shepherd to be a well-behaved and loyal companion.

Dogs for Sale

If you're considering getting a new furry family member, you'll want to start by looking into the different breeds available. German Shepherds are a popular choice for many reasons.

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All of our German Shepherd guard dogs are sold with a top-tier performance and health guarantee. This means you can trust that your new pet is in top shape.

German Shepherds are highly intelligent and trainable, making them a great choice for first-time dog owners. With the right training, they can become loyal and loving companions.

Hand-delivered by a Master Trainer, our German Shepherd guard dogs are sure to meet your high standards. This personalized training ensures that every dog meets our high standards.

Security and Protection

German guard dogs are a popular choice for security due to their natural protective instincts. They are highly trainable and can be taught to respond to commands to protect a property or family.

German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, making them perfect for security duties. They can detect potential break-ins and contraband with their keen sense of hearing and smell.

A German Shepherd guard dog can cover just under thirty miles an hour, making them a valuable asset for security teams. Their speed and agility allow them to respond quickly to potential threats.

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East-German DDR Working Line and Czech Working Line German Shepherds are considered the best breeds for security. They are highly intelligent and have a strong instinct to protect their territory and families.

Here are some key characteristics of German guard dogs:

German Shepherd guard dogs are not just aggressive, but also trained to stop their actions on command. They are a valuable asset for security teams and can effectively replace up to three regular security guards.

Boerboel and Giant Schnauzer

The Boerboel and Giant Schnauzer are two breeds that make great German guard dogs. They're both known for being confident and intelligent.

The Boerboel is a strong and loyal breed, well-suited for protecting property from predators. They're also a good choice for families when properly trained.

Giant Schnauzers, on the other hand, are originally bred to watch over homes, inns, and farms. They're excellent guard dogs, and are affectionate with their families.

Both breeds have a relatively long lifespan, with the Boerboel living 9-11 years and the Giant Schnauzer living 12-15 years.

Boerboel

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The Boerboel is a powerful breed that's well-suited for protecting property from predators. They're known to be confident and intelligent.

One of the key characteristics of the Boerboel is their strength, with adults weighing between 150-200 pounds.

Their loyalty is unwavering, making them a great companion for families when properly trained.

Boerboels typically live for 9-11 years, a relatively long lifespan for a large breed.

For another approach, see: Most Popular Police Dogs

Giant Schnauzer

The Giant Schnauzer is a loyal companion, bred to watch over homes, inns, and farms. They make excellent guard dogs, but are also affectionate with their families.

Giant Schnauzers are intelligent and easy to train, but they do require plenty of exercise. They need to be taken on regular walks and runs to keep them happy and healthy.

These dogs are relatively large in size, with a height range of 23.5-27.5 inches. Their weight can vary as well, but they usually fall within the 55-85 pound range.

Giant Schnauzers have a moderate life expectancy of 12-15 years, which is a good amount of time to enjoy their company.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the #1 most protective dog?

The #1 most protective dog is the Rottweiler, known for its powerful and loyal nature. This breed is a top choice for those seeking a reliable guardian.

Is the Belgian Malinois the best guard dog?

The Belgian Malinois is a highly effective guard dog due to its strong protection abilities and loyal nature. While opinions may vary, many consider them one of the top breeds for guarding.

What breed of guard dog originated in Germany?

The German Shepherd Dog is a breed of guard dog that originated in Germany. Known for their intelligence and loyalty, they're a popular choice for families and professionals alike.

How much does a German Shepherd guard dog cost?

Prices for German Shepherd guard dogs start at $30,000 for basic training, increasing to $45,000 and $65,000 for advanced training levels

Derek Hilpert

Lead Writer

Derek Hilpert is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge and insights with readers. With a keen interest in animal care, he has established himself as a go-to expert on small breed dogs, covering topics from health and nutrition to training and behavior. Derek's writing style is engaging, informative, and accessible, making complex subjects easy to understand for a wide range of audiences.