Last Updated on November 15, 2022 by Lily Connel
German Shepherds are big dogs, with large eyes, and long tails. They have a variety of pros and cons that all dog owners need to know. GSDs are intelligent, affectionate, loyal, and protective. They are also highly trainable and good with kids. However, they do have some cons — such as being predisposed to several health problems, shedding a lot, and being expensive to own.
The German shepherd is a breed of dog that originated in Germany. The breed has since grown to become one of the most common breeds for home, service, and therapy dogs.
Pros and Cons Of German Shepherd – The Table
| Serial | Pros Of German Shepherd | Cons Of German Shepherd |
| 1. | German Shepherds are energetic and attractive dogs that excel at herding. | German shepherds can be hard to train. |
| 2. | Smart, talented and trainable dogs are German Shepherds. | German Shepherds are famous for their heavy shedding. |
| 3. | German Shepherds are kind and loving with children and family. | German Shepherds are prone to inherited disorders. |
| 4. | German Shepherds are powerful guard dogs. | German Shepherds are bred to hunt for prey. |
| 5. | German Shepherds are very loyal dogs. | German Shepherds are not the best dogs for multi-pet homes. |
| 6. | These dogs are hardworking and helpful in Farm work. | The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog. |
| 7. | German shepherds are a highly adaptable breed. | German Shepherds are expensive pets. |
Pros Of German Shepherd
1. Incredibly Versatile Dogs
They are incredibly versatile dogs that can be used for a variety of purposes, including as working dogs, guide dogs, service animals, and police dogs.
2. They’re Extremely Loyal
German shepherds are known for their extreme loyalty to their families and owners.
3. They’re Great Watchdogs
They make great watchdogs because they are naturally protective of their families and homes.
4. They’re Extremely Smart
These dogs are extremely smart, which makes them easy to train.
5. They’re Excellent at Herding Dogs
Their herding instinct is so strong that they can even herd livestock and other animals.
6. They Have A Strong Work Ethic
German shepherds have a strong work ethic and love to please their owners.
7. They’re Very Athletic Dogs
They are very athletic dogs that love to run, play, and exercise.
8. They’re Fun-Loving Dogs
These dogs are fun-loving dogs who often serve as great companions for children.
9. They Have A Great Temperament
Their fantastic temperament makes them great family dogs, even with young children in the house.
10. They’re Loyal Companions
Even when left alone for long periods of time, German shepherds remain loyal companions to their owners by staying close to or sleeping near them.
11. Their Intelligence Makes Them Hardworking & Helpful On Farms
Their intelligence makes these dogs hardworking and helpful on farms, which is why they’ve long been popular working dogs on farms.
12. They’re Extremely Protective Of Their Owners and Homes
Because they’re protective of their homes and families, German shepherds make excellent guard dogs.
13. They Have A Fantastic Sense Of Smell
Their fantastic sense of smell makes them exceptional search and rescue dogs as well as drug detection dogs because they can detect illegal materials such as explosives or certain types of medication.
14. Their Dense Fur Keeps Them Warm In The Wintertime
Their thick coats not only keep them warm during cold weather but also keep them cool during hot weather: this makes these dogs great for both summer and winter activities. 15. They Are an Adaptable Breed & Can Be a Good Fit for Many Living Situations
German shepherds are an adaptable breed that can be a good fit for many living situations, including in apartments, suburban neighbourhoods, and farms.
16. They’re Great With Children
German shepherds are great with children and enjoy playing with them.
17. They’re Low-Maintenance Dogs
They don’t require a lot of grooming, which makes them low-maintenance dogs.
18. They Tend To Be Healthy Dogs
German shepherds tend to be healthy dogs and typically live long lives.
19. They’re Good Natured & Easygoing Dogs
Their nature and easygoing personalities make them good-natured dogs that are easy to get along with.
20. They’re One Of The Most Popular Breeds In The World
German shepherds are one of the most popular breeds in the world and can be found in homes all over the globe.
Cons Of German Shepherd
1. They Can Be Dominant & Stubborn Dogs
Despite their good nature, German shepherds can be dominant and stubborn dogs that can be difficult to train.
2. They Can Be Aggressive Dogs
German shepherds are capable of being aggressive dogs, particularly if they feel threatened or sense that their family is in danger.
3. They’re Prone To Separation Anxiety When Left Alone
German shepherds are prone to separation anxiety when left alone, which can result in destructive behaviours such as chewing on furniture or barking for long periods of time.
4. They Require A Lot Of Exercise
These dogs require a lot of exercises and need plenty of room to run and play.
5. They Can Be Large & Intimidating Dogs
These dogs tend to be large and intimidating, which can make them unsuitable as pets for children or those who are afraid of dogs.
6. They’re Not The Best Dogs For Apartment Living
They aren’t ideal for apartment living because they need a lot of room to run and play.
7. They Require A Lot Of Attention From Their Owners
Owners should provide these dogs with a lot of attention, including regular exercise and training sessions, in order to keep their energy levels under control.
8. Training Requires Patience & Time
Training requires patience and time on the part of both the dog owner and their pet, as German shepherds don’t respond well to harsh training methods.
9. This Breed Can Be Destructive Without Proper Training Or Exercise
They can be destructive without proper training and exercise, as they need a lot of mental as well as physical stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy.
10. They Have An Unhealthy Preference For Being Alone
In general, German shepherds have an unhealthy preference for being alone, which makes them more prone to destructive behaviours such as chewing on furniture, barking excessively, and digging up gardens or lawns when left alone.
11. Their Intelligence Makes Them Hardworking & Helpful on Farms Their intelligence makes these dogs hardworking and helpful on farms which is why they are often used as working dogs in this type of environment.
12. They Have A Strong Sense Of Smell & Can Be Used For Detection Work
Their strong sense of smell allows them to be used for detection work, such as finding drugs, explosives, or missing people.
13. They’re Prone To Developing Health Problems
These dogs are prone to developing health problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and bloat, which can require expensive veterinary care.
14. Their Dense Fur Keeps Them Warm In The Wintertime
Their thick coats not only keep them warm during cold weather but also keep them cool during hot weather: this makes these dogs great for both summer and winter activities.
15. Their Double Coat Requires Regular Grooming
Their double coat requires regular grooming, which can be time-consuming and difficult for those who lack the necessary skills or tools. 16. They’re Big Dogs with a Lot of Weight to Carry Around
They’re big dogs that require plenty of food in order to maintain their weight, resulting in increased expenses over the course of their lifetime.
17. They Shed Quite A Bit & Tend To Bully Larger Animals
These dogs shed quite a bit and tend to bully larger animals such as cows, cats, rabbits, and small dogs when they feel threatened by them.
18. Other Dogs Can Be Intimidated By Their Large Size & Prone To Fighting
Other dogs can be intimidated by their large size and may be prone to fighting with them, which can lead to serious injuries.
19. They’re Prone To Developing Separation Anxiety
German shepherds are prone to developing separation anxiety when left alone, which can result in destructive behaviours such as chewing on furniture or barking for long periods of time.
20. They’re Expensive To Buy & Maintain
This breed is expensive to buy and maintain, as they require a lot of food, exercise, and grooming.
History/Origin Of German Shepherd
The history of the German shepherd begins with Max von Stephanitz – a captain – who developed the breed using knowledge from his military career about herding and training dogs. He used local shepherds and sheepdogs to develop what we know today as the German shepherd. This occurred near an old castle named “Weimar” where Stephanitz typically walked his future foundation stock during the day along with his fellow officers and their families. During these walks, he made note of which dogs showed superior traits such as intelligence, speed, endurance, strength, and special herding ability. He painstakingly studied the behaviour and traits of his future breed.
Stephanitz founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV) – the first German Shepherd Dog Club in Germany – with a group of dedicated dog lovers who helped to further develop and standardize this new breed.
Physical Characteristics Of German Shepherd
The German shepherd is one of the most common breeds used as service, therapy, and guide dogs today because they are typically large or medium-large sized, intelligent, strong, dependable, and loyal companion animals. The American Kennel Club (AKC) standards describe them as “confident and lively” whereas the Australian equivalent describes them as having a pleasant demeanour that is neither “aggressive nor timid.”
Conclusion
German shepherds are a great breed of dog but they do have their share of drawbacks. Owners should be prepared to provide plenty of exercise, attention, and training in order to keep their pets healthy and happy. Additionally, this breed can be quite expensive to purchase and maintain. Thanks for reading!
