The German Shepherd has a domed forehead, a long neck, and a bushy tail. It is also known to have a penchant for chasing small animals. The breed was originally bred in Germany, but was imported to North America in 1907. World War I marred German culture and the German shepherds were renamed Alsatian in England. When peace eventually broke out, the German shepherds were international celebrities.
German Shepherds have a domed forehead
German Shepherds have a dome-shaped forehead that distinguishes them from other breeds. This feature is due to selective breeding practices. General Max von Stephanitz spent 35 years in Germany studying different breeds, with the goal of creating the perfect herding dog. The German Shepherd was born of this process and today the breed is one of the most popular in the world.
The German Shepherd is a large breed, measuring approximately 55 to 65 centimetres at the withers and weighing between fifty and seventy kilograms. The height is ideal for females, although males can weigh anywhere from twenty-four to sixty-three kilograms. These dogs have long, square muzzles, long necks, and dome-shaped heads. They also have pointed ears that stand out in front and are usually pulled when they move. The German Shepherd is a large, powerful breed, weighing between fifty and seventy-five kilograms.
Silver German Shepherds do not always have gray fur, but a silver-colored coat is more common. Their coat is soft and dense, and sheds throughout the year. They can have black, brown, or tan coats. Some German shepherds have a white or sable coat, but this color variation is not common.
A long neck
The German Shepherd breed has a long neck, despite its small size. This characteristic allows this dog breed to reach up to 100 pounds. This breed also has a long tail and can reach up to the hock. The long neck is also a distinguishing characteristic of the wolf. This type of dog breed is commonly used for hunting and has a high prey drive. These dogs are known for their intelligence and their ability to work.
German shepherds come in a variety of coat colors, including tan, red, and black. While most German shepherds are black, they can be spotted with white or sable. Generally, the breed will have a medium or long coat. They can be found in a wide range of colors, although red and black are the most common colors. Pure white and black are rarer and are usually disqualified in some standards.
German Shepherds are known for their strong and powerful bites. Their jaws can weigh up to 1,060 newtons, which makes them a highly-feared dog. However, their bite is relatively mild when compared to pit bulls and Rottweilers.
A bushy tail
You’ve probably wondered if German Shepherds have bushy tails. While it is natural for a German Shepherd’s tail to curl over its backside, it can also be a sign of a health problem. The disease called anal furunculosis thrives in areas where there’s little air movement and constant moisture. However, there are a few things you can do to reduce the risk.
The German Shepherd’s tail is one of the most prominent features of the breed. These dogs have long, bushy tails that start to develop around six months of age. This characteristic is important to show dogs, as a drooping tail is a defect. For this reason, German Shepherds with a droopy tail will not be allowed to compete in conformation dog shows.
A German Shepherd’s tail is also an indicator of mood. If the dog is on high alert, his tail will be raised. Conversely, if the dog is at rest, the tail will be curved. The German Shepherd’s tail is long and bushy, and the position of the tail in the German Shepherd’s back indicates his or her mood.
A tendency to chase small pets
German Shepherds are among the largest dog breeds, but they also have a high prey drive. As a result, this breed tends to chase other small animals. Although they are generally cat-friendly, they may not be good with small pets. They are also very large compared to cats, so you may have to keep an eye out for them.
If you notice that your German Shepherd is chasing small animals and pets, you should first investigate the cause. It may be genetic, or it could be an underlying health problem. If the German Shepherd has an underlying health problem, you should visit your veterinarian and get it checked. Physical irritations at the end of the tail, worms, or swollen anal glands may cause this behavior.
German Shepherds have a strong prey drive, so it’s best to avoid introducing them to other dogs or small pets without proper socialization. If they’re accustomed to interacting with other dogs, they’re likely to be friendly, but you’ll have to supervise their interactions with other animals for their own safety.
A tendency to develop hip dysplasia
German Shepherds have a tendency to develop hip dysplasia, which is a common canine condition. If you notice a loose or deformed hip joint, your veterinarian may be able to diagnose it with X-rays. This condition can cause painful bone spurs and lameness, and it can also lead to degenerative joint disease.
Symptoms of canine CHD can vary greatly depending on the severity of the disease and the degree of joint looseness. Common symptoms include difficulty in rising, limping, and lameness in the hind legs. In some cases, German shepherds with CHD may even need a wheelchair.
German Shepherds can be prone to hip dysplasia, which is a genetic degeneration of the hip joints. The condition can range from mild to severe, and can severely cripple otherwise active dogs. If you notice your German Shepherd walking, whining, or acting depressed, you should have them checked by a veterinarian.
Hip dysplasia is hereditary and is most common in large breed dogs. Unbalanced nutrition and excessive growth can magnify this genetic predisposition. This means that it is important to feed large breed puppies special food that addresses the needs of these dogs. This can help them avoid excessive growth and avoid the joint problems it causes.
A tendency to develop anal furunculosis
German shepherds are prone to developing anal furunculosis, a painful and chronic condition caused by inflammation of the skin under the tail and surrounding anus. The condition can result in deep infection of the underlying tissues. The condition is characterized by moderate to severe pain. It is thought to be caused by a defective immune system, but other factors may also be involved.
Treatment for this condition is complicated. Although surgery is the most common treatment, it is not without risk. Extensive surgery can damage nerves and cause incontinence. In severe cases, euthanasia may be the only option. Luckily, there are some treatment options available that do not require invasive surgery.
Diagnostic tests are available for anal furunculosis in dogs. A veterinarian may suspect anal furunculosis if your dog exhibits typical clinical signs. Clinical examination may reveal a rash or ulceration in the anal region, or the dog may even experience weight loss. The affected dog may also display signs of depression and irritability. Further, your veterinarian may detect matted hair, odour, and bleeding. In addition, your dog may not allow you to examine them closely, so the vet may be required to sedate them for further testing and possibly even biopsy the affected area.
German Shepherds are prone to anal furunculosis, a condition that causes inflammation and ulcers in the anus. The symptoms of this condition can be mild or severe and may come and go. Fortunately, anal furunculosis can be treated medically or surgically.
A tendency to develop EPI
Dogs with EPI have a voracious appetite, abdominal discomfort, and a low body weight. In addition, they may experience frequent diarrhea and vomiting. EPI is a symptom of insufficient absorption of nutrients, but it can be managed. Fortunately, many dogs with EPI can lead normal lives.
EPI is caused by an autosomal recessive gene. It is a degenerative disease that affects the pancreas. The pancreas regulates blood glucose levels and secretes substances into the small intestine for digestion. When pancreatic cells die, their exocrine function ceases to function properly. German Shepherd dogs with EPI usually have an atrophy of the pancreatic acinar cells. These cells produce enzymes, chemicals, and fluid. The pancreatic juice is secreted into the small intestine.
EPI can affect dogs of any age, although symptoms usually become apparent between six months and six years. Veterinarians often diagnose the condition as a secondary disease in dogs of any breed. However, if it is left untreated, dogs can starve to death in weeks or months. Consequently, treatment for the disease is necessary throughout a dog’s life.