The German Shepherd is undoubtedly a picture-perfect animal that has always fascinated people all over the world. This is not only due to its large, brown doggy eyes, unique coat pattern and muscular build, it is also its intelligent personality that enchants dog lovers.
However, before you get a sheepdog, you should learn more about the demanding nature of this dog breed, because the sheepdog requires a lot of commitment.
What you should know about German Shepherds before adopting one
The German Shepherd is highly intelligent
Dogs are intelligent animals. However, the German Shepherd is clearly at the top of the list when it comes to intelligence, as it is smarter than average.
The German Shepherd quickly memorises its master's daily routine and senses any mood swings. He insists on his regular walk and knows exactly when he is missing out.
However, the high intelligence of these animals is not only focussed on their own well-being, they are also very keen to please their masters and mistresses. They use their intelligence for constructive activities. However, as is often the case with intelligent creatures, they quickly become bored if they are not challenged enough.
German shepherds are among the smartest dogs in the world. In fact, according to dog psychologist Stanley Coren, they are the third smartest dog breed for obedience and working intelligence. Their intelligent instincts and ability to learn adaptively make them smarter than almost all dogs.
Sheepdogs have a lot of energy
The German Shepherd is a working dog, which is why they are so well suited for police and military purposes. They love it when they have a job to do. For you as the new owner of a German Shepherd, this means that you will have to walk the dog often and a lot. Sheepdogs need a lot of exercise and are particularly happy about dog training courses.
Under-utilised sheepdogs need to find something else to do and start to become destructive or develop behavioural problems.
The German Shepherd is known for its industriousness and persistent activity requirements. Bred as working dogs, these strongly built but graceful dogs are unrivalled in terms of working ability. They serve as helpers for disabled people, as rescuers and scouts for the police or military. These animals show outstanding loyalty, dedication and courage to their owners and human family members at home.
As extremely versatile animals, they have the ability to learn and excel at a variety of different tasks. Once they are well trained, they rarely deviate from the task at hand and often exceed their energy. They often meet and exceed the expectations and goals of their trainers.
In short, the German Shepherd is a very energetic dog with the ability to achieve challenging tasks and goals.
Sheepdogs need mental stimulation
Long, extensive walks are only part of the activity a German Shepherd needs. They also need to be mentally challenged. It is particularly good for German Shepherd owners to go to training courses with their dog and train it.
Training courses are also a good bonding exercise between dog and master. This builds trust and detects possible behavioural weaknesses in the dog at an early stage.
Sheepdogs like to cuddle, but tend to be reserved in front of other people
At home, the dogs love to be petted and are extremely cuddly. In public, however, they usually behave rather aloofly, as they are always alert. They only cuddle when they are one hundred per cent safe and in familiar company.
How much affection the German Shepherd shows depends largely on its own personality. Some German Shepherds show their owners a lot of overt affection, for example by lying on their owner's lap a lot and gently pawing at their owners.
Some German Shepherds do not show their affection as openly and in a more indirect way. They might show affection by sleeping in a vulnerable position, for example, or by making a lot of eye contact with their owner. If you have a German Shepherd and he doesn't do a lot of open cuddling, there are some things you can do to make him more affectionate.
The German Shepherd is a guard dog by nature
As the German Shepherd is a guard dog, it quickly becomes possessive if it has not been properly trained. Taking on an older dog is therefore a certain risk, because you don't know whether its social behaviour has been properly encouraged beforehand.
You should definitely be careful the first time a visitor approaches you or comes into the dog's home. The dog may see the stranger as an intruder and behave defensively.
Sheepdogs are sensitive and empathetic
No other dog understands its owners as well as the German Shepherd. His masters and mistresses are his everything, which is why he will always listen to the voice of his beloved masters. His sensitivity allows him to recognise bad moods and simply be there for someone.
Nothing makes a German Shepherd happier than making his master smile even on the toughest days.
Not all German Shepherds are clingy, but you can be sure that your German Shepherd will never stray too far from your side.
Not an ideal dog for the novice dog owner
German Shepherds can be demanding, as they require constant training and attention. A little dog experience is useful, which is why the German Shepherd is not an ideal choice for people who have never had a dog before.
If you decide to get a German Shepherd as a new dog owner, you should work with an experienced dog owner to ensure that the dog does not develop any bad habits.
Why are German Shepherds so clever?
The German Shepherd is one of the three smartest dog breeds, with the mental capacity of a two-and-a-half-year-old human child. Many dog experts agree that the German Shepherd is not only the most intelligent dog, but also a very quick learner. This is because he has such a quick and memorable memory, which helps him to understand and remember words that are important throughout training, as well as the tricks.
The intelligence of the shepherd dog comes from the days of their ancestors, as intelligence was needed as working dogs in the field, especially when herding flocks of animals. After all, a dog needs the keenness and alertness as well as the logic to look after its flock. Nowadays, sheepdogs herd fewer flocks of sheep, but their protective instinct is still strong, which also makes them intelligent protectors of their owners.
So... How intelligent are sheepdogs? Clever, sheepdogs are very clever!
