The German Shepherd dog has normally been known as: "One of a breed of large shepherd dogs having a coat ranging in color from gray to brindled, black-and-tan, or black, used especially in police work and as a guide for the blind." However, there is much more to this breed than just this simple dictionary description of the breed.
Most German Shepherds have directness, assertiveness, steady nerves, courage, boldness, and an even temperament. They are also alert, cheerful, easy to train, protective, eager to please, and love their owners unconditionally. It is my belief that a German Shepherd must be able to achieve any goal that is set out by his or her owner. To me this means being the babysitter or companion or being useful in other ways. Whether being useful is doing obedience work, or working as a police dog, or a service dog for the blind. This is one breed that needs to be actively working most of the time.
German Shepherds have the willingness and the desire to be over-achievers. This is not to say they are so hyper they cannot relax but rather on a seconds notice they are willing to engage in whatever activity is given them by his or her owner.
This breed is not to be bred just for color. The ideal German Shepherd is not only pleasing to the eye but is also functional. The German Shepherd should not be selected for that overly angled rear end, but should have a short coupling with a good shoulder so that the dog can run with little abuse to the spinal cord. Because of their protective nature and high ability to learn and their high adaptability the German Shepherd is the world's third most popular breed.
The ideal weight of a German Shepherd should be between seventy and eighty pounds. The height can run between twenty-four inches and twenty-six plus inches. They can have short hair, medium hair, or long hair.
A German Shepherd puppy should be socialized as soon as possible to prevent aggressive and dangerous behavior. Some German Shepherds, in particular the white shepherd, are normally shy.
Although this breed can be a house dog, it does need room to run due to its active nature, and requires room to grow and should always have good care and health maintenance by its owner.
Last but not least, one should look for a German Shepherd who has a clear temperament, one that is approachable but not necessarily overtly friendly to everyone and should show the willingness to work.
