German Shepherds are known to be one of the most preferred dog breeds in the world. These are intelligent, loyal, and versatile animals that man has come to appreciate. However, when it comes to families with kids, many parents get confused and ask themselves if the German shepherd is a good breed.
In this article, the writer seeks to unravel the characteristics of a German Shepherd, their interaction with kids, and some key factors that should guide every family that intends to rear a German Shepherd. We will also be able to differentiate the male and female German Shepherds and look at the various varieties of this breed, the black and tan, brown and white German Shepherds.
The Nature of German Shepherds
German shepherds are medium to large breeds of dogs that originated in Germany as working dogs. They are reliable performers with intense work ethics and frequently serve in police and military capacities. Nonetheless, German Shephards who have a serious working background are also friendly and will protect their families.
Personality Traits:
• Intelligent: German Shepherds are accepted as one of the wisest canines. Quick learners of commands and are not hard to train.
• Loyal: They are very sensitive when it comes to family loyalty and are usually recommended to make good family pets.
• Protective: These dogs are quick in their response and very protective; thus, they can be said to be ideal for guarding. They will turn into real watchdogs and start barking as a sign of danger.
In order to understand in detail must read German Shepherds: Understanding Their Weaknesses
German Shepherds and Kids
All in all, those who want to have a loyal and friendly canine companion that can be around kids, therefore, should consider having a German Shepherd.
This is an advantage because they are protective and will thus make great guards, and since they are intelligent, they understand the protégés in a family. But, as it has been said, like any other dog, German Shepherds’ character and demeanor will always respect the mold by which they are raised and taught.
Positive Aspects:
1. Protectiveness: As it has been earlier written, German Shepherds are protective, which is quite beneficial when you have kids at home. They can be watch-dogs and are usually very protective, especially with strangers.
2. Energy and Playfulness: It is desired mainly because they much prefer to play, they are full of energy which is beneficial for kids especially those who like to run and jump around games.
Considerations:
1. Training: I agree with this argument because most accidents that occur in organizations can be attributed to inadequate training. Thus, an obedient and well-trained German Shepherd dog will know on how to handle the children and the limits set for him.
2. Socialization: It is important that early socialization should be carried out. Socialization is another factor that has to be done when a German Shepherd is young so that when they grow up they become well-rounded adult dogs.
3. Supervision: Some important points to stay alert on are; one, children and dogs, especially young ones should never be left alone with each other. Even the most obedient dog may step on a toddler, it is capable of causing a terrible accident.
In order to read in detail and understand your dog better must read, Are German Shepherds for Beginners? Everything You Need to Know .
Male vs. Female German Shepherds
When selecting a German Shepherd there are times that the families get puzzled with whether to take either a male or a female dog. The factors of gender might play a role in your decision although it is true that men and women are not very different.
Friendliness:
• In this regard, both sexes of the German Shepherds are friendly though females are considered to be more caring and responsible for nurturing. Perhaps they would be slightly more forgiving when it comes to being bothered by young children.
Protectiveness:
• Male German Shepherds are known to be more protective than female ones. They may be more protective and probably tend to be aggressive more so to strangers. This does not in any way imply that females don’t play protective roles; it is just that they are more relaxed about the whole issue.
Why People Prefer Female Dogs:
• Some people like female German Shepherds so much because they are believed to be easier to train and less likely to be aggressive. Females could also be more affectionate and easier to handle, mostly in the aspect of size and how muscular they are.
Disadvantages of Having a Female Dog:
Female dogs also sometimes get into heat a couple of times in a year and this is sometimes less comfortable. During this period they may be moody and male dogs might be attracted to them those are some negative effects. If not spayed, this can also result in squirming pregnancies; the pregnancies that produce unwanted puppies.
Neutering is expensive, and some owners are concerned with health issues that may be related to surgery.
There are three recognized varieties of German Shephards, although breeders rarely purposely breed for variety: dominant or working-line German Shepherds, the more obedient, show-line German Shepherds, and the American or couch-potato line of German Shepherds.
Different Types of German Shepherds
1. Black and Tan German Shepherd Dog:
• This is how the typical German Shepherd looks like, they have a black strip on their back, in the form of a saddle and the rest of their body is tan. It is among the recognized and famous color variations which are widely used.
2. Brown German Shepherd:
• As far as the term ‘brown’ is concerned, it is employed, although it mostly points to red or sable with darker undertones in the German Shepherds. These dogs can have a coat which can greatly differ in its saturation yet it is rather warm and dense.
3. White German Shepherd:
• White German Shepherds possess white fur that looks very solid. They have characteristics similar to other German Shepherds, but they are special because of their coat coloration. Due to their white color, they are sometimes confused with albino but they are not; it is just they are of a different color variation.
4. Black German Shepherd:
• Entirely black German Shepherds also exist. These are uncommon dogs that are also smooth-coated and have glossy hair. They are as intelligent and as loyal as any other German Shepherd breeds out there.
5. Sable German Shepherd:
• Sable German Shepherds according to the hairs Distribution could have black tips on the hairs ranging from light tan to gray. This makes them possess a beautiful multiple-colored body that transforms as they stir.
Training and Socialization
Whichever type of German Shepherd you prefer: male or female, it is important to train and socialize your dog. These dogs are quite intelligent and will adapt in a short time; however, the environment to be created for the dog should be governed and the rules and punishments consistent.
Initial socialization enables one to avoid many disorders and guarantees the necessary obedience of the dog to children and other animals.
Training Tips:
1. Start Early: This process should start at the time you get your German Shepherd puppy to your house.
2. Positive Reinforcement: If you want your dog to be well-behaved, then using treats, praise, and play will be the major tools that you will need to employ.
3. Consistency: If you want to maintain order around you, then you should be quite rigid with your commands or the rules you set for people around you. Each of the family members must obey the guidelines that will have been set.
4. Socialization: socialize the GSD with varieties of places friendly faces, and other friendly species of animals. This assists them in being well-socialized and erases any possibility of them turning out to be either fearful or aggressive.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
It is worth familiarizing oneself with the fact that German Shepherds are highly active dogs that need a lot of physical activity. They require periodical exercise, the time to play as well as mental challenges.
This is even more essential if you have kids at home because a dog that has been exercised most of the time will be less active and will hence be moderate in handling the kids.
Activities to Consider:
• Fetch: This game is simple and children will enjoy playing it especially if they want to burn some energy.
• Training Sessions: These can be a fun way to train your dog as well as learn new tricks and new commands to follow.
• Puzzle Toys: These toys help your dog exercise the brain and they can be fun for your dog to play with at the same time.
Health and Grooming
Both German Shepherds are raised with double-coated hair, so the amount of shedding must be rather significant. Daily grooming is the best practice to maintain their coat healthy and prevent extraneous shedding in the house.
Another is that they also have some health problems, for instance, hip dysplasia hence a need to take the dog for checkups from time to time from the veterinarian.
Grooming Tips:
1. Brushing: Groom German Shepherds by brushing their coats at least three to four times weekly to enhance the removal of dead hair.
2. Bathing: Bath your dog when necessary but do not overdo it because it may cause the skin of your dog to become dry.
3. Nail Trimming: Trim their nails down to a manageable size that is appropriate for day-to-day grooming.
Conclusion
First, we will be discussing the about the breed’s temperament and compatibility with kids and other family members. They are friendly, guard dogs, and smart; therefore, they are good companions and protectors. However, they need to be trained, socialized, and well taken care of to fit into a family.
No matter what gender of GSD you get or what color such as black and tan, brown or white, or any other color the dog will be different because every dog is different and does have some different personalities and some different requirements.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to train German Shepherds with kids?
Yes, if socialization and obedience training have been done on the German Shepherd, it get along very well with young children.
2. Which of the two, male or female, German Shepherd is more protective?
Male are considered to be more territorial and more protective when it comes to its family moreover it depends on how well and how early the dog started its training.
3. What makes them go for female German Shepherds?
Some people believe that female German Shepherds are Kinder as compared to male animals of the same breed.
4. Some grooming needs that are particular to a German Shepherd include?
German Shepherds will shed their coat frequently and hence should frequently be brushed.
5. Are German Shepherds very active dogs?
Yes, as a breed, German Shepherds are active dogs and should be taken for a run or a good long walk every day.
