About German Shepherds

Dog Temperament: Loyal, protective, intelligent
Lifespan: 12 years
Recommended for: active families with older children
Maintenance: Low

A breeding program developed by the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia has been used to produce the best pure bred dog in Australia. The GSDCA has succeeded in developing a breed with a stable temperament and sound body by using a scoring system to eliminate critical problem areas. German Shepherd Dogs produced by affiliated breeders (and only those dogs) are safe with the family, cheap to run and lead long and healthy lives. Eigenschaft Kennels are members of the German Shepherd Dog League & GSDCA of NSW.

History
As the name suggests, the German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany where it evolved from herding dogs that were used to tend and protect sheep. Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz, the proclaimed father of the breed, founded the German Shepherd Dog Association in 1890.
The dogs were recognised as being excellent guard and attack dogs and were used by the police and the military. Consequently, there were 48,000 Shepherds enlisted in the German army during the First World War. After the First World War English owners changed the name to Alsatian because nobody wanted to be associated with anything German. However, now with the war long over, the breed has changed back to its original name and the German Shepherd Dog has become one of the world's most widely recognised breeds.
German Shepherds first arrived in Australia between 1923 and 1929 but then the government imposed import bans which were not lifted until 1972 because the dogs were believed to be dangerous.

Temperament
German Shepherd Dogs have suffered an image problem which was in part deserved. Many years ago there were significant problems in the breed with temperament. Today however, as a result of the work done by the GSDCA, the temperament of these dogs is excellent. The Council acknowledged that poor temperament had crept into the breed. (Affected dogs are timid, can become frightened and will attack people out of fear). Over the last twenty seven years, the German Shepherd Dog Council has used a Breed Survey Scheme to virtually eliminate fear biters from the breed.
German Shepherds bred by the Council members are loyal, loving, intelligent dogs and are willing to do anything for the people they love to the point of giving their own lives. The breed adores and protects its family. Although the dogs are good with children, they should not be left alone with small children because both dogs and puppies can be boisterous.

Health and lifespan
German Shepherd Dogs not bred by the GSDCA memberscan be prone to health problems including haemophilia and hip and elbow dysplasia. The German Shepherd Dog League of NSW operates a number of Breed Improvement Schemes that are designed to reduce the incidence of diseases with a possible genetic link, by selecting for breeding only those animals which pass stringent selection tests.
German Shepherds can also experience some skin problems. Proper care of a German Shepherd includes regular worming, about 3 times a year, and clean, flea free sleeping quarters. German Shepherds have an average lifespan of 12 years.

Feeding
German Shepherds are not particularly big eaters and breeders suggest one meal each day with a dog biscuit in the morning. A balanced diet could include a mix of dry food, mince or mutton flaps and heart worm tablets. The food bill for a German Shepherd Dog should cost around $16 per week.

House Pet Potential
German Shepherds are good inside the house, but when shedding their coat they need to be brushed regularly to minimise accumulation of shed hairs on people or in the house. The dogs require house training; a relatively easy task because of their intelligence.

Space and exercise
German Shepherds need plenty of room and should be kept in a medium backyard with good fences at least 1.53m high. German Shepherds need daily exercise.

Ideal Owner
The German Shepherd is an ideal dog for an active person or family. The breed is not recommended for the sick or elderly. People buying a German Shepherd need to have time to spend with the dog which loves to be part of the family. First time owners who have young children will find that a German Shepherd bitch is more suitable.

Grooming
The German Shepherd needs little grooming, however, during the seasonal change from winter to summer it is often necessary to strip out the dead, woolly coat. This should be done as quickly as possible with a rubber brush specifically designed for the job.

Uses
German Shepherds are used in police work, including tracking and searching for guns and drugs. They are excellent at obedience work, make good companions, guide dogs and guard dogs. The dogs can also be involved in schutzhund, a sport where dogs attack on command.

Trainability
German Shepherds are reliable, intelligent and responsive to training. They need obedience training early in life, particularly those that are boisterous, strong minded and dominating. Well socialised German Shepherd Dogs are easier to introduce to new people and situations and make a more stable companion.

For planned litter enquiries please call our office

8am until 9.30am

4pm until 5.30pm

7 days

Ph/Fax: (61) 02 4423 2101

John's Mobile: 0418 427591 enquiries only