Let’s learn the funniest, third most intelligent dog German Shepherd facts! We love dogs of all breeds, but German Shepherds hold a soft spot in our hearts.
The German Shepherd is one of those dogs that everyone wants at some point in their life. They are big, beautiful, brave, and incredibly loyal. It’s no wonder they make such good police dogs.
German Shepherds are very adaptable and intelligent dogs. This is why they make such good companion dogs and working dogs alike. Did you know that the world’s first guide dog was a German Shepherd?
Read this article to learn intelligent dog German Shepherd facts and more.
German Shepherd facts
1. A Legacy of Intelligence
German Shepherds hold the distinguished position of being the third most intelligent dog breed globally, as confirmed by canine psychologists. Their remarkable cognitive abilities allow them to grasp new commands with astonishing speed, typically requiring less than five repetitions. What’s more, they exhibit an impressive obedience rate of 95% or higher when following familiar commands.
2. A Heritage of Herding and Service
The roots of German Shepherds trace back to their origin as herding dogs in Germany. Their name itself reflects this history. Beyond herding, these versatile canines found themselves serving in pivotal roles during significant historical events. They played essential roles as military and police dogs during both World Wars and various other conflicts.
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3.Nose and Coat: Unique Features
German Shepherds are notable for their distinctive features. Their black noses are more than just a cosmetic trait; they serve a practical purpose. These dark noses are believed to provide protection against sunburn and help regulate their body temperature.
Furthermore, German Shepherds boast a double coat—a dense undercoat paired with a medium-length outer coat. The variety in their coat colors includes black, black and tan, black and red, black and silver, and white. While some breed clubs may not accept the white coat, it’s essential to note that this color variation has no bearing on the dog’s health or temperament.
4. Versatility and Loyalty
Loyalty, confidence, courage, and a strong protective instinct characterize German Shepherds. They are unwaveringly devoted to their families and territory. Their versatility is nothing short of astounding, as they excel in a myriad of activities such as agility, obedience, tracking, search and rescue missions, therapy work, and service roles.
5. Five breeds of German Shepherds
Since it was first bred in Germany in 1899, there have been 5 varieties of the German Shepherd namely the Saddle Coat German Shepherd, Black German Shepherd, Sable German Shepherd, Panda German Shepherd, and White German Shepherd.
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6. Lifespan and Health Considerations
On average, German Shepherds have a lifespan ranging from 9 to 13 years. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, allergies, and epilepsy. Responsible breeding practices and regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for their overall well-being.
7. German Shepherds Run speed
At the peak of its vitality, a German Shepherd exhibits the ability to achieve speeds of approximately 50 kilometers per hour. Although it can’t claim the title of fastest dog, this feat is undeniably impressive, especially when considering its strong body. In stark contrast, the Greyhound ranks highest among dog breeds in terms of top speed, boasting a remarkable speed of up to 72 kilometers per hour. In contrast, Usain Bolt, widely considered the planet’s premier human sprinter, achieves a top speed of 43 kilometers per hour.
8. Formidable Bite Force
German Shepherds possess an impressive bite force, measuring 238 pounds per square inch (PSI). To put this into perspective, their bite force rivals that of a Rottweiler (328 PSI) and exceeds that of a Pit Bull (235 PSI). Their powerful jaws are more than capable of breaking bones and crushing objects.
9. Average German Shepherd price is $800
Buying a German Shepherd entails a rather substantial expenditure. Within the United States, the expenditure fluctuates within the span of $500 to $1,500. Centered around an approximate mean of $800, a key contributing factor to this substantial valuation is the high cost associated with the breeding and upbringing of German Shepherd puppies.
10. Global Popularity and Cultural Impact
German Shepherds have secured their place as one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide. They hold the second position in the United States, the fourth in the United Kingdom, and the fifth in Australia based on registration numbers. Their presence extends beyond registrations, as they have made appearances in numerous movies and TV shows. From Rin Tin Tin to The Walking Dead, these dogs have graced both the big and small screens. Additionally, they have been the cherished companions of prominent figures, including John F. Kennedy, Barack Obama, Jennifer Aniston, Tom Hanks, and Oprah Winfrey.
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11. The U.S. military prefers German Shepherds
Because of its aggression, athleticism, loyalty, and intelligence, the US military prefers the German Shepherd breed in its roster. This unique combination of dog traits is well suited for military duties. After the German Shepherd, the Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd breeds are also the best choices.
12. The Sport of Schutzhund
German Shepherds have a unique and challenging sport tailored to assess their working abilities. Known as Schutzhund, this sport encompasses three phases: tracking, obedience, and protection. It demands that these remarkable dogs showcase their skills in following scent trails, executing a variety of commands, and defending their handler against simulated threats.
13. Too “light” as a puppy, too “heavy” as an adult
A German Shepherd puppy weighs just over 500 grams when it is born. As they mature into adulthood, males can attain a substantial weight of up to 90 pounds, while their female counterparts typically weigh around 70 pounds.
14. German Shepherds trained by American and Canadian police helped after 9/11 Attack
He worked in search teams among other search and rescue dogs. The number of German Shepherds included in the team is unknown, but some sources say about 100 were present in New York after the attacks.
Additionally, a German Shepherd named Tracker was the only dog found alive in the wreck. Their DNA was later used for cloning and in 2009, 5 tracker clones were born.
15. Some German Shepherds can detect COVID-19
Due to their amazing sense of smell, they were trained to detect COVID-19 in the sweat of affected people. Their average accuracy was 85–88%, which is higher than some antigen tests.
16. Special German Shepherd Senior Club
If your German Shepherd is 12 years of age or older, he is eligible to become a proud member of The 13 Club. This is an exclusive club through the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and all one has to do to join is fill out an application.
In conclusion, German Shepherds represent a breed that combines intelligence, history, and physical prowess in a truly exceptional manner. Their legacy as loyal companions and versatile working dogs is a testament to their enduring appeal in the world of canines.
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