Large German shepherd, as mentioned in the name, is a large-sized dog breed coming from German. A good German shepherd gives out a muscular, strong, and athletic vibe, which is why this breed is originally meant for guarding and protection.
From movies, you can easily recognize them as working dogs in sheep farms or military services. Yet, they fit in a family pet surprisingly well since they get along with children if raised together and tend to be protective against strangers.
Where Is The Large German Shepherd’s Origin?
German shepherd breed was a result of crossbreeding in German locals. The purpose was to standardize and preserve dog traits that assist in herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators. Large German shepherds entered the United States as partners of soldiers coming home from World War I.
Today, they have become the third most popular breeds among dog lovers in the US, after the English golden retriever and Labrador retriever.
What Are Large German Shepherd General Appearances and Characteristics?
Appearances
Large German shepherds are a well-balanced breed. They feature a sturdy, elongated body with a strong bone structure. The forehead is broad, and its nose is usually black. Their teeth are sharp, and strong and have a scissor-like bite.
The most common coats on German shepherds are black/tan or black/grey. They can weigh up to 91 pounds for males and 71 pounds for females.
Characteristics
German shepherds are mostly known as service dogs in police, military, or rescue teams due to their characteristics. Brave, powerful, intelligent, and have a strong sense of smell are what make this breed suitable for these demanding tasks. They won’t hesitate to risk their lives for their loved ones or owners.
But great powers come with great responsibilities: they tend to be aggressive! To prevent this, large German shepherds should be carefully socialized from a young age and exercised regularly. They are destructive walking machines if they feel bored and don’t exercise enough!
Long-Haired Vs. Short-Haired German Shepherd – What Are The Differences?
Usually, large German shepherds are short-haired. But sometimes, they have long-haired coats. Worry not, since they still are the same breed. The difference between long and short-haired German shepherds lies in dog shows: short-haired ones are preferred!
This is the norm in the US. Long-coated German shepherds aren’t welcomed in the confrontation rings. It leads to the long-haired German shepherds being softer and milder, more suitable as a family’s pet instead of intensive training for showcasing or heavy-duty missions.
How Should You Take Care Of A Large German Shepherds?
Being an athletic breed, German Shepherds need a lot of exercise to be physically and mentally healthy. As an owner of a baby German shepherd, you should begin with light activities like a short walk in the park or playing around in a fenced, safe area.
You can slowly increase the intensity of the exercises as the dog grows, but always ensure not to let it off leash: Even the most obedient dog can be distracted or not follow orders. Besides training, don’t forget about grooming! German shepherds only shed heavily twice a year. During normal times, you should frequently brush the coat lightly to control hair around the furniture.
How Can You Adopt A German Shepherd?
As one of the most popular dog breeds in America, large German shepherd puppies and dogs are available from dog rescue organizations or pet shelters. But beware, as the puppy you just adopted might not be a German shepherd cross or mixes. Store personnel tends to label medium to large-sized dogs as “German shepherd cross” so they get adopted quicker.
So, before adopting one, make sure you have researched enough to recognize which is which. Also, going through certificates of health and the genes of the puppies is a must. If the seller can’t show you, you risk getting a non-German shepherd, and the puppy also has a higher chance of health issues.
Conclusion
Don’t get a dog because you want one. The process of choosing the right breed for you is crucial since not only should the breed fit with your preferences, but also you should meet the dog’s needs. If you’re an active person who isn’t afraid of daily walks and loves teaching tricks, then adopting a sizeable German shepherd puppy is no doubt the right choice for you.
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