German Shepherd dogs are best known for their intelligence and loyalty, and they are very energetic and capable of learning many commands.
They make good military service and assistance dogs. Besides that, they are loving dogs and can be a great companion to your kids and family.
They are usually large breeds and can grow up to 63 cm tall. They are known for their courage, obedience, and guarding instincts. They require lots of attention, love, and care. They would make the best family dog if you trained them with proper instructions. So are German Shepherds good family dogs?
Are German Shepherds good family dogs?
German Shepherd dogs are considered good house dogs because of their natural guard instincts and caring temperament. Some of the reasons why they are considered good family dogs.
- German Shepherd dogs are intelligent dog breeds. They can learn anything very fast.
- They respect their owner and protect them. They have a very caring, loving nature and possess a very protective attitude towards their owners. Their protective instincts help them guard against foreign intruders, which keeps your family safe.
- It is known that German Shepherds are energetic breeds high in energy level. They do not get tired soon and need lots of exercise and games to play with them. It is best for your family if you have kids who will match their energy level to play around together.
- Loyalty is one of the qualities which makes them best. They can learn almost anything if they are taught well. They can become the best part of serving your family.
- They can be an ideal companion to your kids as they have a very friendly attitude towards their family members. They can be not so friendly towards the strangers and might behave strangely, but with the familiar faces, they are great.
- German Shepherd dogs are very healthy if you maintain a good healthy diet. They need grooming more than once a week and need proper care to keep them healthy.
- Apart from all the qualities, they also need some socialization. They need training from a very young age. Proper training is important, along with love, care, and respect towards your dog. Keep in mind not to play with your dog while eating or trying to remain alone.
- One of the best things about German Shepherds is that they can adapt to any lifestyle. They have no problem adjusting to any environment and suit themselves to your way of living.
- They are active breed dogs and need at least 30 minutes of exercise to stay healthy. They require daily exercise such as walks, and playing along with your dog can keep you healthy.
How to take care of German Shepherds
German Shepherd dogs are large and active breed dogs. They require constant training and proper care to stay healthy and happy in mind and body.
It is important to make sure that they have good healthy food throughout their life. You can feed your dog both dry and wet food. If you prefer feeding homemade foods, it is better to consult with the veterinarian about what needs to be included, which will help the dog to get a balanced diet.
Avoid feeding humans foods, and people foods can be unhealthy to them and cause some impact in its healthy food. Feed them age-appropriate food such as puppy food for very young dogs and adult food when it is middle age, and senior food when it is old.
They need regular grooming, which will help get rid of the loose hairs and prevent them from accumulating on your furniture and clothing. They require a lot of exercise and ample opportunities to engage in physical activities. If they do not get the required number of exercises, there is a possibility to develop an unpleasant behavior.
Though your dog is well trained, remember to keep it on a leash in public places and try to get engaged in different activities so that you can keep them stimulated. They are easy to please and obedient dogs. You can teach your dog several fun tricks and other mind games to keep it healthy and happy.
Behaviors of German Shepherds with children and family
The most important thing when you adopt a German Shepherd is understanding how to interact with each other. They require a lot of extra preparation to make them adapt to your family rules and lifestyle. However, they are easy dogs that can adapt to any lifestyle.
Training must start as soon as you adopt a puppy, and make sure that your kids understand basic things like not to go near if the dog seems agitated, appear sick, injured, or during their time of eating. They are usually active dogs that can match your kid’s energy level. They are friendly, loving, and have a protective nature which can have strong bonding between the dog and the kids.
They can become great family dogs if you provide them with proper guidance to treat kids since they are obedient dogs and learn anything. They will accept and love your kids and other family members since they tend to be gentle and loving.
Common health problems of German Shepherds
German Shepherd dogs are mostly healthy, but there are possibilities of some hereditary health problems. Some conditions to be aware of:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Elbow hygroma
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus
- Degenerative myelopathy
Diet and nutrition of German Shepherds
Diet and nutrition is essential for your dog to remain healthy.
- Two meals a day up to two cups of dry dog food, but it depends on the size, activity level, age, and other factors.
- Avoid giving a large meal a day. They might gulp it down at once and have a bloated stomach and stomach torsion.
- Make sure your dog is access to clean and fresh water.
- Keep watch on your dog; if you notice anything such as overweight issues, which can lead to obesity, that will shorten your dog’s lifespan.
- For better care of nutrition for your dog, consult with a veterinarian to get recommendations for dog food types and feeding schedules.
Conclusion
German Shepherds can be great with kids and make a great family dog. Training and socialization are part of their lives necessary to get along with people and other animals.
They seem scary and aggressive due to their large body size, but they are not aggressive by nature. They do not attack out of anywhere unless they feel threatened.
German Shepherds are gentle and loving dogs. The environments in which they are raised can also impact their behavior. It is important to teach your kids to respect your dog’s space and needs. He should get his time to eat and rest without being interrupted.