Top Pros And Cons Of Owning A German Shepherd Dog
Top Pros And Cons Of Owning A German Shepherd Dog: Besides advantages, German shepherds also have some disadvantages like high shedding.
German Shepherds are known for their high intelligence and excellent guarding skills. Their popularity is increasing day by day as a good family dog. Some people often misunderstood them as just aggressive dogs but they can be really well behaved if they are trained and socialized well. Here we are discussing the Main Pros and Cons of German Shepherds!
8 Pros of owning a German Shepherd
German Shepherds are quite Intelligent
Most of us may not know that German Shepherds are regarded as the third most intelligent dog breed in the world. Certainly, there is a reason why they are used as sniffing, service and police dogs in large numbers. It doesn’t need much effort in training them as they are quick learners. You can easily train them to perform new tricks and learn new commands. However, sometimes their high energy level can act as a barrier in training
German shepherds are good at making a special bond with their owners as they are quite better at understanding human emotions. It would not be wrong if we describe them as a perfect combination of strength and intelligence.
They are Excellent Guards
It is a well-known fact that German Shepherds are excellent in guarding. They are very protective and caring for their things. They don’t like anyone to get close to their family or owner. Sometimes due to their defensive and territorial behaviour, they become over-aggressive to outsiders and other dogs. This is the reason socialization from an early age is quite necessary for them.
In the past as well German shepherds are used for protection, GSDs were used by farmers for herding and protection of livestock from predators.
German Shepherds are quite friendly
Due to their intimidating looks, some people consider them as just an aggressive and dangerous dog breed, which is completely wrong. If trained and socialized well German shepherds are quite friendly and affectionate especially to their family members.
They are quite social and always want the attention of their family, Also they don’t like to be alone. Their affectionate behaviour makes them the perfect family dog.
They have a strong bite force
It is a well-known fact that German Shepherds are regarded among the most dangerous dog breeds. Besides their muscular and energetic body, they also have very powerful jaws. German Shepherds have a strong bite force of 238 PSI and it is around three times in comparison to humans. It would be a stupid mistake for an intruder to break into the house with a German shepherd’s security. No doubt this much bite force can seriously injure a person.
German Shepherds are tough
German shepherds are known for their strength and courage. These medium-sized dogs have a well-shaped muscular body which makes them quite powerful. They have strong jaws which gave them an advantage in making attacks. Also, they are very agile and can adapt well to different climatic conditions.
They are very active and playful
If you are a fitness freak then getting a German shepherd dog would be great! GSDs have high energy levels and need much exercise, around 1 to 2 hours a day. No matter what time they are always excited to play.
Due to their agility and high energy level, GSDs were also used as hunting dogs. Training or playing with your dog is a great way of exercising. A German shepherd can be a great workout buddy or companion to you. In comparison to other dog breeds, they don’t get tired easily. They can accompany you while hiking, jogging, running, playing or while just exploring new ways.
German Shepherds have attractive looks
One fact that we all know and agree upon is their attractive looks. GSDs are famous for their sturdy and tough appearance. They have a muscular body with a dense coat. Also, they are famous for their erect or standing ears. Their coat comes in different colours and combinations including black & tan, black, steel blue, white, red & black and black & silver.
GSDs are perfect family dogs
German shepherds have all the qualities required for a perfect family dog. They are of protective, loyal, intelligent and affectionate temperament. However, some of them are known for adapting aggressive behaviour which can be avoided by proper socialization and training. GSDs are of social nature and are good at understanding human emotions, owning a german shepherd can make a great difference in your life.
8 Cons of owning a German Shepherd
German Shepherds can become aggressive
German shepherds are known for adapting aggressive behaviour, there is a reason they are counted among the dangerous dog breed list. There are several reasons behind their violent behaviour and usually, it is due to improper socialization. other reasons that can also make a dog aggressive are caging, physical punishments, improper training and leaving them alone for a long time.
GSDs are known for their protective behaviour and are naturally territorial. If they are not trained and socialized from an early age then they can become too defensive and can become aggressive towards strangers. They can also become aggressive to other animals too especially smaller ones.
They are heavy shedders
Heavy shedding is one of the most common disadvantages of owning a German shepherd as no one wants hair scattered on the floor of their home. Known for their attractive long-haired coat German shepherds are also infamous for shedding heavily. They shed their dense double-layered coat mainly in two seasons’ spring and fall.
If not controlled shedding can make your ‘nice tidy home’ messy, that’s why grooming is necessary for them. German shepherds need much more care and grooming than any other short-haired dog breed. If done smartly it doesn’t take much effort to control shedding however it is much time-consuming.
We have written a separate article for this Why Do German Shepherds Shed A Lot And Solution For Heavy Shedding
GSDs are not much comfortable in small space
German shepherds are known for their playful behaviour and high energy level. These medium-sized kids are rarely calm. If they are kept in a closed place like a small apartment they would get themselves bumped in furniture. These frisky giants need open space to roam and move freely.
Also, they are a bit noisy and can disturb other neighbours too. So a person should avoid getting a german shepherd if you live in a quiet and small place.
They are not for lazy owners
If you want to own a German shepherd then you have to give time to them, GSDs are certainly not for lazy owners. We all know that German shepherds have a dense and long-haired coat that is known for shedding heavily. In order to control shedding, they need much more care and grooming than any other low shedding dog breed.
Not only grooming GSDs also need to be consistently trained and socialized properly in order to avoid aggression. Also, their exercise requirement is also high. They need daily exercise around 1 to hours a day to be fit and healthy.
German Shepherds are not comfortable being alone
Another interesting behavioural fact that all future German shepherd owners should know is that they don’t like to be alone, they always need someone’s company. GSDs are of social nature and always want family’s or owner’s attention. Due to their attention-seeking behaviour, they often do crazy things to catch the attention of the owner.
Some people have the habit of leaving their dogs alone for long hours when they go outside for work but GSDs are not much comfortable at being alone at home for a long time. They are also known for having separation anxiety if left alone for many hours, which is certainly not good. Such dogs can become more aggressive and can do weird things like biting furniture, growling, trying to escape and whining.
They Can adapt bad habits
There are some bad habits or behavioural issues that German shepherds can adapt. Almost all of these behavioural issues can be avoided by proper training and socialization. GSDs are known for their attention-seeking behaviour, they often do some crazy things to gain attention like barking unnecessarily, destroying things, growling and jumping at others. Other problems like barking too much and mouthing could also be observed.
German shepherds are prone to some health issues
Just like other dog breeds German shepherds are also prone to some health problems. The most commonly found are Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, Bloat, Degenerative myelopathy, Epilepsy and osteoarthritis.
But it doesn’t mean that GSDs are unhealthy, just like other dogs they too are prone to some health issues. In order to avoid health issues, an owner should feed a proper diet, exercise the dog regularly and take his dog for a periodic Vet checkup.
They can be dominant to other pets
German shepherds are naturally territorial and defensive, they can be really aggressive if not socialized properly. Many of them are known for attacking other dogs and being dominant towards other pets. Usually, such issues are not seen in GSDs who are grown with other pets. To avoid dominative behaviour a german shepherd needs to be consistently trained and socialized with other dogs.
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