German Shepherds rank among the most favored canine breeds, effortlessly capturing our hearts for eternity. They are sizable dogs, quite hefty, and to put it mildly, robust and powerful.
They were selectively bred to become exemplary working canines, possessing the capability to be versatile and acclimated to any working setting or situation, and to excel, irrespective of the task assigned to them.
Nonetheless, before acquiring a German Shepherd, many individuals have intriguing inquiries that they wish to pose to someone who currently has a GSD.
All these inquiries have been addressed by my colleagues from our team who already have a German Shepherd; consequently, you will receive the most satisfactory responses.
Owning a German Shepherd comes with numerous advantages; however, specific questions do arise whenever the discussion turns to having one of these companions.
Let’s clarify – these dogs REQUIRE a particular kind of owner, and if you’re someone who relishes being idle most of the time, or at least likes to indulge in a lazy Sunday, you should reconsider getting a German Shepherd puppy right away.
Let’s Explore Some Of The Most Frequently Asked Questions About German Shepherds
I won’t bore you with a tedious introduction any longer; let’s jump right into addressing some of the most commonly asked questions about German Shepherds to read for enjoyment, and gather some valuable insights!
1. Will My German Shepherd Ever Allow Me to Go Alone to the Bathroom?
Well, no. German Shepherds are recognized for their guarding instincts; hence, they feel compelled to stay close to you and shield you from potential threats.
Even if you reside in the safest neighborhood in the area, you might require protection from a menacing mosquito… Am I right?
Another way to interpret this behavior is by acknowledging that dogs are pack animals. They regard going potty and eating as two of the most vulnerable situations that one can experience.
Consequently, they feel the necessity to protect you during these activities, and will also seek your protection when they perform theirs.
2. Will I Ever Be Able to Have Some Personal Time?
Once again, no. Especially if your German Shepherd shares your apartment, you won’t be able to take a single step without your loyal companion following you.
Alone time, to them, is an alien concept. They delight in being near you and surrounded by as many people and animals as they can; hence, they assume that you appreciate that as well.
You won’t enjoy the same amount of peace you previously had, but that isn’t necessarily a negative aspect. Having a faithful dog by your side at all times constitutes one of the finest experiences you can have.
The affection and loyalty that a German Shepherd will offer you represent one of the purest feelings.
3. Will My German Shepherd Ever Cease Following Me Everywhere?
Your German Shepherd will likely never, ever, EVER stop shadowing you. Whether they anticipate an unexpected treat or wish for your safety, they will stick by your side.
German Shepherds are naturally clingy, and when they aren’t following you around out of affection, they do so because they want to ensure your safety.
They thrive on being involved in everything you do, whether it’s using the restroom, making a meal for you or them, or resting.
4. Will I Ever Experience a Relaxing Sunday Again?
To be honest, you probably won’t have a laid-back day ever again. But, not in a negative sense! The brighter perspective is that you will never experience a dull moment anymore.
These dogs require exercise – both mental and physical stimulation daily for at least a couple of hours. If you fail to provide that, they may turn troublesome!
5. When Will My German Shepherd Stop Chewing on My Footwear?
Don’t fret over this behavior, as it represents a puppy phase and occasionally a teenage phase while they are exploring new odors, tastes, and textures.
They find everything you do captivating — literally everything you wear and use daily; hence, shoes are equally intriguing.
However, if your German Shepherd continues this behavior even into adulthood, and you cannot find a solution to curb it, the best route is to consult with a dog behavior expert or a veterinarian.
6. What About Mealtime? Will I Ever Dine Alone Again?
Once again, this is a no-go. Your German Shepherd will ignore etiquette and will be the one that watches every bite and chew you take.
You are likely to find it difficult to resist sharing a morsel of your food due to their large, pleading, moist eyes.
It’s quite probable that your dog won’t even bother to eat whenever you are away, which is a common trait among German Shepherds.
Here’s the German Shepherd feeding guide if you wish to understand more about the best feeding practices for our cherished GSD companions.
7. Are German Shepherds Considered Among the Best Guard Dogs?
They possess the ability to detect danger and respond accordingly. Your GSD will take action independently, even before you speak or give a command, since they were bred for their intelligence to foresee dangers ahead and utilize their judgment.
Undoubtedly, German Shepherds rank among the most popular and effective guard dogs available. They are perceived as strong, smart, and agile canines, rendering them a highly sought-after security guard type of dog.
They are extremely protective of their territory and their families, ensuring that you will never have to worry about unwelcome intruders. They will manage the situation efficiently, and you will at least be alerted to any issues by their boisterous bark.
8. How Much Fur Do German Shepherds Shed?
One thing is certain… German Shepherds shed extensively, especially during shedding season, when you will have to brush them several times daily to eliminate the excess dead hair.
RELATED: Do German Shepherds Have a Distinct Odor? Insights on Unpleasant Smells and Solutions
Even after the shedding period ends, you will need to brush them at least once or twice weekly to ensure their coat remains well-maintained and neat.
Don’t be alarmed about the shedding during the shedding season, as we understand that many newbie German Shepherd owners find it daunting.
There will be a considerable amount of dead hair flying around, and if you believe you won’t be able to handle it on your own, the best course of action is to visit a professional dog groomer.
9. Are German Shepherds Related to Wolves?
Many believe that German Shepherds represent the closest domestic dog variant to wolves, being the least genetically altered breed after wolves were domesticated.
Some claim they still demonstrate certain wolf-like tendencies concerning their perceptions of hierarchy within the pack and the dynamic between the alpha and the remainder of the supposed pack.
You can explore further about this fascinating connection between wolves and German Shepherds here.
10. Are They Suitable for First-Time Owners?
German Shepherds serve as excellent first-time pets for active individuals. They make wonderful companions for both single owners and families, given their high intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate demeanor, which renders them easy to train. However, they do require a significant amount of time and effort for training.
In addition to being obedient, this breed is also remarkably bright and empathetic.
As beautiful as they may be, German Shepherds require the appropriate lifestyle suited for them. Due to their size, they are very energetic dogs that necessitate daily exercise, so you must be ready to dedicate several hours throughout the day walking them and spending ample time with them.
You must first carefully reflect on your lifestyle and ascertain if acquiring a German Shepherd is genuinely suitable for you before you can decide whether one would complement your life as a novice owner.
11. Do German Shepherds Coexist Harmoniously With Cats?
Well, right from the start, if you bring a cat into a household with an adult GSD, there are two potential outcomes: they might chase the cat around due to their heightened prey drive, or they might be intimidated by it.
Read Also: 8 Explanations for Why My German Shepherd Is Afraid of Everything
However, the first scenario is more likely to unfold.
The only way German Shepherds can bond with cats is if they are raised in tandem from a young age, allowing them to acclimatize to one another.
Otherwise, GSDs are not the most suitable choice when it comes to integrating a new cat into their domain.
12. Are German Shepherds Suitable Family Dogs?
They tend not to make swift friendships with newcomers, given their inherent skepticism towards strangers, and exhibit a protective disposition concerning their home and territory.
As long as they are properly socialized and trained, they shouldn’t display any aggressive tendencies.
But it’s not all serious. They certainly love engaging in play and possess a playful sense of humor. They are a gentle, wise, and joyful family member that will bring you happiness and affection for the entirety of your life.
They are excellent family dogs that are always eager to play with you and thrilled to participate in any activities you engage in. They are wonderfully gentle with children, and the two can relish countless hours of playtime together.
13. Can I Employ My German Shepherd for Farm Work?
These remarkable dogs can be trained to perform virtually any task, including working with livestock on a farm.
Historically, they were primarily utilized as herding dogs; thus, they are well-suited for this function. They should be educated from a young age and socialized, and you’ll have a fantastic, dedicated farm dog!
14. Are German Shepherds Suitable for Apartment Living?
The simple answer to the question of whether German Shepherds can reside in an apartment is probably yes, but that doesn’t encompass the complete answer. No, this doesn’t imply that the matter that warrants discussion can be ignored.
Your dog must have numerous conditions fulfilled to live happily and comfortably in an apartment.
All these aspects rely solely on you and the amount of time and effort you are prepared to invest to let a large dog coexist with you in an apartment.
Personally, I wouldn’t advocate for a German Shepherd dog in an apartment setting, as they wouldn’t experience the same freedom and happiness as they would in a house with a spacious garden or on a lovely farm.
They need ample exercise, which would be challenging if living in an apartment.
15. What Amount of Exercise Do GSDs Require?
The first activity that may be considered exercise is taking them for genuinely extended walks. This breed should be walked for distances that nearly qualify as trekking.
These dogs require substantial exercise; consequently, a brief stroll each day is inadequate for their needs. Some off-leash activities are essential. A fantastic way to keep them entertained is to take them to a dog park, where they can explore and wander freely.
Depending on the type of exercise provided, these working canines may need more than 2 hours of activity daily. Failing to provide them with sufficient physical engagement could lead to undesirable behavior.
Conclusion
I hope you’ve gained new insights from our 15 frequently asked questions about German Shepherds, or at the very least, that this brought a smile to your face.
To sum up… these dogs are self-assured, poised, confident in their abilities, and only become animated when prompted to take action.
It’s essential to recognize their origins, as they possess a robust hunting drive given that they were bred for herding.
Some owners claim that no other bond can rival the relationship a German Shepherd has with their household. Within the confines of their home, a gentle, loving, and adoring fluff ball replaces their stern and unyielding exterior.
They will treat the children as if they were their own and willingly assume the role of household protector.