German Shepherds are a breed popular for the high intellect and great strength. These qualities make the breed a fantastic working dog, capable of adapting to varied environments, tasks, and handlers. For these reasons, they are often chosen to work as service dogs. German Shepherds are used in therapy, rescue work, and, probably most often, law enforcement.

You have probably seen law enforcement dogs from time to time, and more often than not, that dog was most likely a German Shepherd. German Shepherds have been employed with the United States military and the police force for decades. In large cities, you will see these law enforcement shepherds patrolling streets, trains, and airports with their officer handlers. In smaller communities they are typically used for rescue missions or specific investigations, such as suspicion of narcotics possession.

German Shepherds are often seen at the side of their officer handler, obediently going where he or she goes and responding immediately to given commands. When docile and standing down, these German Shepherds seem like little more than household family pets who have been trained to obey their owners. When the time comes, however, the German Shepherd is an intelligent and effective police dog. They patrol with their officer handlers ready to fight the good fight alongside them. On command, one of these police dogs could chase a criminal on foot for miles farther than any human officer in the best of shape. These dogs are trained to subdue and hold any criminals caught in pursuit until their human partners arrive and they are release with a specific command.

German Shepherds also have an impeccable sense of smell. For this reason, they are frequently used as tracking dogs. Sometimes tracking dogs will be given a sent of a missing person to help search and recover clues or the person themselves. German Shepherds are also used to recover and rescue victims of natural disasters who may be caught deep inside architectural rubble and who would never have been found otherwise. They are also used as cadaver dogs, being easily trained to smell the decomposition of human flesh and recover decaying cadavers from wreckage.

The primary use of a German Shepherd's sniffing abilities, however, is what they excel at. German Shepherds are frequently used as narcotics dogs, detecting drugs like marijuana or cocaine in an investigation or in airports. These dogs are so talented and well trained that they can smell things a human would not even dream of catching a whiff of. Upon catching a sent of drugs, the dogs will bark or otherwise alert their officer handlers, who will pursue the investigation further.

If you have ever encountered a law enforcement German Shepherd, you may have heard his or her officer handler giving commands in what seems like jibberish. This is not the case, in fact. Most dogs that work in law enforcement are trained in languages uncommon in the United States, such as German. This minimizes any risk of criminals understanding the commands used for a specific dog, and will prevent them from trying to issue commands of their own.

German Shepherds excel in law enforcement and are celebrated for the work that they do. The next time you see a K9 Unit officer, be proud to know that this pooch is defending your rights and your community along side the men and women of the law.

Adding a pet to your family is a big event and one that needs to be considered carefully. Families that adopt a dog spontaneously often find that they were ill prepared, and these pets frequently end up finding new homes at a later date or even being abandoned. It's important to figure out just what type of dog will suit your family best, and then find one from someone reputable.

Which Breed is Best?

Which breed you choose depends on a variety of factors including personal preference, your family, breed size and temperament, and what you need from a pet. Let's look at these one by one.

Personal Preference: Most people prefer a specific dog breed before they even begin looking for a pet. You might have wanted a Husky from the time you were a child, for example. This doesn't mean that this is your ideal breed, but it is a good place to start.

Family: If you have small children or plan to start a family in the near future, you'll need to consider this when choosing a dog. Certain breeds are particularly well suited to families, such as Golden Retrievers, Labs, and Cocker Spaniels, while others do very well with a single adult owner, including Huskies and German Shepherds.

Size: This is an important consideration if you live in a fairly small space. Remember that the larger the animal, the more space it will need to run around. For apartment living, a St. Bernard isn't a good choice because of its large size, but a terrier might be perfect. Likewise, if you have small children, a very large dog might be a little too much for them to handle. You also need to remember that puppies grow much faster than children, so research the dog's likely size as an adult.

Temperament: Most dog breeds vary widely in their temperaments, but there are certain traits that may run in the blood. Greyhounds, as an example, tend to be highly excitable, bulldogs are loyal and steady, while Huskies tend to have an excess of energy and be very determined. You'll want to select a breed that is best suited to your own temperament and energy level.

What You Need: Are you looking for some quiet companionship on lonely nights, a playmate for your children, or a running partner for your 5 km run each morning? Do you need a dog that will help out with the livestock? Knowing exactly what you need from your dog will help you choose the breed. A miniature poodle won't be a very good running partner, but will tend to be an excellent partner while you watch your favorite television shows.

Health Issues: Unfortunately, there are certain health problems that tend to run in breeds, and you need to know the specific breeds that are prone to health conditions. German Shepherds are most likely to have issues with hip displacement, for example. Once you've narrowed down which breeds you're interested in, you'll want to double check just what you need to expect in the way of health problems. These can sometimes be avoided or minimized by going with a mixed breed dog instead of a pure breed.

All of these factors will help you choose the right dog breed or breeds. Once you know the type of dog you want, it's time to start looking for your newest family member.

Puppy or Adult Dog?

One of the other things that you'll need to consider is whether you want a puppy or an older dog. Both options have pros and cons.

Puppies are very cute and tend to be adopted most often. They are easier to train and have not yet been affected by human behavior, which can turn even a pleasant dog into an angry, dangerous one. However, puppies are also a lot of work. They require vast amounts of attention, no matter what breed you opt for, and they will require strict training if you want to have an adult dog that is fun to be around. Left to their own devices, puppies will pick up a string of unpleasant habits that are difficult to break. Without training, that cute puppy will likely be very difficult as an older animal. If you have the patience and time to train and hang out with a pup, then this could be a good option for you.

Adult dogs are already trained in most cases. If you're looking for a specific temperament, it will be far easier to see this in a dog that is more mature and not as excitable as a puppy, they also require far less attention. Adult dogs usually know their place in the family, will already be familiar with children in many cases, and are easier to settle. There is a downside to adopting an older dog, however. You may find that you have to retrain some bad habits that have been ingrained for years. Also, if the dog has been abused, even the kindest breed could turn out to be snappish and nervous. An adult animal will tend to be cheaper than a puppy, even if purebred, which is another consideration if you are on a budget.

Where to Find Your Dog

Many people look first to pet stores for a dog, but you will probably have better luck and learn more about the dog's history if you go through independent breeders or dog owners. If you are looking for a pure breed dog, make sure you see the paperwork before making your purchase, to ensure the bloodlines are, indeed, pure.

For older dogs, seeing the family and environment they are coming from will help you make a decision on whether or not to adopt. Choose a dog that has been loved and cared for, and you will be able to enjoy your new pet. Only take on an untrained animal if you have experience and the time needed to deal with a dog that needs plenty of attention and training.

Adopting a dog can be a wonderful experience if you are properly prepared. Choose a dog that will fit your lifestyle and family rather than just going for the cutest puppy at the shop. Everyone will be much happier if you do.

Dogs will always remain men’s best friends regardless of age, sex and nationality. Nowadays there are various dog breeds available and it is quite hard to tell which of them the most popular ones are. People and dogs are simply drawn to each other, these pets being wonderful companions for individuals worldwide. Furthermore, people who have pets are more emotionally stable than those who don’t have any and having a dog will teach you many things about empathy, responsibility, patience, trust and compassion. Dogs are also great for reducing stress, anxiety and hostility in people. There are many dogs that make great pets but here are some of the most popular dog breeds. First of all, we should mention the Labrador retriever is highly popular due to its good nature, intelligence and loyalty, having impressive energy levels, being gentle and tolerant of children and used frequently as service dogs. Labrador retrievers are loving, affectionate, patient, highly intelligent, loyal and active. These pets simply love to play and especially to swim as much as they can. They need to feel that they belong to a family, they are easily trained, well socialized and they are great watch dogs. Next, there are the Yorkshire Terriers which are known for their small size and great nature. They are perfect for children, courageous and great watch dogs. Yorkshires are highly energetic, clever and affectionate, although they can be very aggressive if they are provoked. One of the most beautiful dog breeds is represented by the Golden retrieves, known also as Goldies, which are intelligent, well-mannered, easy to train and eager to please. This breed makes great family dogs being very friendly and having very little guarding instincts. In order to be happy, these animals must always be surrounded by people who enjoy the role of leadership. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds, being respected and admired throughout the world. This breed is versatile, intelligent and beloved for the devotion German Shepherd dogs show to their owners. Dogs belonging to this breed are used frequently by police officers and the military, as guide for blind people and as search and rescue dogs. These animals are renown for their self-confidence and nobility, making an excellent companion. German Shepherds don’t need to be aggressive in order to protect their home and their family and they can be trained easily by competent instructors. However, if you buy such a dog, professional training is a must. The colors of this dog breed are versatile: black and tan, black and red, black and silver, black and cream, solid black, sable and even white. The Beagle is a sweet, curious, sociable, calm and loving pet, being excellent companions for children and good with other dogs. Because they have a strong personality, they need firm training and they love exploring places. As you can see, these are just some of the most popular dog breeds and you can understand how difficult it can be to select a dog from a variety of possibilities. In order to be satisfied with your decision, you need to look beyond the dogs’ physical aspect and take into consideration his temperament and personality.

Getting a dog can change your life. If you get a dog that is compatible with your lifestyle, it can be a very rewarding experience, but all dogs require love, attention, care and training, so before you make that decision, ask yourself these questions:

Do I have time to give a dog the attention it requires?
Do I have the ability to provide proper grooming, exercise and training for a dog?
Can I afford the expenses that come with a dog?
Do I have what it takes to be a strong pack leader?
Do I want to buy a dog from a breeder or adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue?

If, after answering the above questions, you decide to move forward with getting a dog, it would be wise to learn about the different breeds and their characteristics, personality/temperament, possible health conditions and exercise and grooming requirements in order to make an informed decision.

This article is a basic overview of one particular breed -- a Tamaskan.  Read on to decide if this breed of dog is compatible with your particular lifestyle. 

History/Background: The Tamaskan, meaning "Mighty Wolf" in North American Indian language, is said to have originated in Finland, although that is uncertain.  Five husky-type dogs were imported into the UK from the USA in the early 1980s and were then bred to Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky and German Shepherd crosses, attempting to create a dog that resembled a wolf but with high intelligence, a good temperament and good working ability.  Breeding continued down through the years to improve the bloodlines and the bloodlines were finally closed in 2006.  The Tamaskan was first imported into the USA in 2005 and has since grown in popularity.  The Tamaskan Dog Register was formed in February 2006. Although it looks like a wolf, it has no wolf content. 

Physical Characteristics: The Tamaskan is large and athletic, slightly taller than German Shepherds.  It has a wolf-like appearance with small ears, a straight bushy tail and coarse,thick coat in three main colors, red gray, black gray and wolf gray, with black overlay and characteristic wolf mask.  Eyes are yellow through amber and brown, with light colored eyes being very rare. Adults typically measure 24 to 28 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 95 pounds.  

Personality/Temperament: This breed is highly intelligent and excels in agility, sled racing and obedience training but can be stubborn and requires pack leadership.  It is highly sociable, friendly, affectionate, eager to please and makes an ideal family dog and loyal companion.  It is tolerant toward other dogs and gentle with children.  It prefers the company of people or other dogs and, if left alone for long periods of time, may become destructive or try to escape.  It responds well off leash and, with a small amount of training, will return when called.  It makes an excellent working dog.  A Tamaskan is not a good guard dog because of its friendliness toward strangers.  Some Tamaskans, like other arctic breeds, will howl.

Possible Health Conditions:  No known health issues have yet arisen.  The average life expectancy is 14 to 15 years. 

Exercise/Grooming: The Tamaskan is very active and needs a great deal of exercise such as a daily long walk or brisk jog.  It requires free running and, if trained, will return when called.  Because it is highly intelligent, it needs mental exercise, as well.  Grooming is fairly easy and includes a good brushing once a week, more during times of molting. 

Living Conditions:  The Tamaskan is not recommended for apartment life and may become destructive or attempt to escape if left alone for long periods of time.  It needs a large place for free running every day.  

Summary:  The Tamaskan is a large dog that resembles a wolf but is highly sociable and affectionate and makes an ideal family dog.  It requires little grooming and has no known health issues so far but does require a great deal of physical and mental exercise and may display destructive behavior if left alone for long periods of time.  So, now that you've learned a little about this breed of dog, one question remains -- Is a Tamaskan the right breed for you?

Since the domestication of the dogs (roughly 15000 years ago according to some estimates), there has been a wide range of breeds available. There are about 475 registered breeds in the world today. This is due to the selective breeding of the dogs which allow pups with certain desirable trait in them. Some breeds are more suited to heavy works such as Siberian Husky, others are more suited to family life such as the Labrador, while there are other breeds like the Chihuahua which are more of a playful pet.

While there are a number of breeds but the most popular breeds for the year 2008 in the U.S.A according to the AKC (American kennel club) registration records is the Labrador Retriever. The other popular breeds in the top five according to the registration records were Yorkshire terrier, German Shepherd Dog, Golden Retrieve, Beagle in the decreasing order of popularity. The bulldog was the eighth popular breed, making it to the top ten for the first time in more than 70 years.

The Labrador Retriever has been the most popular dog in America since 1991. The popularity of the Labrador Retriever speaks of its ability to adapt in the role of a family dog. Some qualities and attributes of the Labrador Retriever are:

General Temperament - The Labrador Retriever is an intelligent and family loving dog. It is quite affable and energetic, adapting well to indoors as well as outdoors, and its great love and patience for children make it the ideal dog for a home. It adapts easily to the apartment life. Also its good intelligence, loyalty, patience and eager to please attitude make it ideal for the role of helper dog. In its role as a helper dog it is used a guide dog to the physically challenged as well as companions to the elderly people.

Physical Appearance - The male weighs about 30-35 kg while the female is lighter, in range of 26-32kg. Their coat is quite short and straight. The tail is otter like, broad and strong, while the toes are webbed. Their coat is interwoven and hence somewhat waterproof.

Life Expectancy - The average healthy Labrador Retriever is expected to live for 12- 14 years. It is quite prone to obesity. Due to its floppy ears, it may get ear infections.

German Shepherd
Click The Blue Links Below For German Shepherd Offers

Looking to adopt a german shepherd puppy, can you please help?

I am looking to adopt/ buy a male pure breed German Shepherd puppy thats is less than tweleve weeks old and less than $300., near Newark, Nj. I have already tried shelters, resucue centers, news papers, made ads, ect. : can someone please help.

Are you willing to travel to another town in NJ? I found this little guy in a shelter in Montgomery, hes not 3 months like you want, hes 5 months but he is is getting trained.

http://search.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=9513489

Other Names of The German Shepherd Dog:  Alsatian, Deutscher Schaferhund, GSD.

German Shepherd Dog Temperament

The German Shepherd dog is amongst the most intelligent of dogs and its versatility and excellence in performing all manner of activities has secured its eternal position in the hall of fame when it comes to policing duties, search and rescue, military functions such as bomb sniffing and even as sight-seeing dogs for people who are blind or those with impaired eyesight. The German Shepherd is a quick study and due to their innate high intelligence are very easy to train.

These dogs are active, alert and like many other animals of a high intelligence and active nature the German Shepherd needs to be constantly challenged and stimulated both physically and mentally to avoid becoming a nuisance. That said, this dog breed makes a great companion and is both brave and loyal. Though some dogs tend to be somewhat aloof and wary by and large this dog breed makes for a great family pet and they generally get on well with children. Occasionally certain dogs may become a tad domineering with children which may manifest in the form of the German Shepherd trying to herd them about; in keeping with its breeding pedigree.

German Shepherd dogs have excellent watchdog ability and are typically wary of both strangers and other dogs. Early socialization is a must if your dog is going to be around other animals. As far as climate tolerance is concerned these dogs adapt fairly well to moderate cold as well as moderate heat, though extremes in either direction don’t go down well.

German Shepherd Dog Grooming & Exercise Requirements

The German Shepherd boasts a high energy level and thus this dog breed requires plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Its grooming requirements however are not quite as demanding and its coat only requires brushing once or twice a week. The German Shepherd is a moderate to heavy shedder and thus is perhaps not the best choice of dog for allergy sufferers.

German Shepherd Dog Appearance

The body of the German Shepherd dog is typically longer than it is tall and in the modern variant when the animal is standing the body slopes downwards as though the dog is poised to spring off of its hind legs. This was not always the case, the early variant of the German Shepherd dog having a squarer body and less slanting haunches. The tail is usually bushy and hangs with a slight curve.

This dog breed boasts an athletic build and erect ears atop a head with a pointed snout which enhances the alert appearance of the dog. Coat color may vary and includes the following: black, black and tan and sable. From a show dog perspective white-coated dogs are not allowed although of recent there is a movement for such specimens to be represented in their own sub-category.

This dog breed has a double coat with a thick outer coat comprised of close lying medium-length hair that may be straight or slightly wavy.

Weight:  Males:  75 – 100 pounds

            Females:   60 – 80  pounds

Height:    Males:  24 – 26 inches

             Females:  22 – 24 inches

German Shepherd Dog Health Issues/Life Expectancy

This dog breed on average has a lifespan of 10 – 12 years. Due to rather intense in breeding over the years the German Shepherd dog suffers from a number of genetic disorders which include the following:

Major Concerns: 

CHD

Elbow Dysplasia

Minor Concerns:

Panosteitis

vWD

Degenerative Myelopathy

Cauda Equina

Skin Allergies

Hot Spots

Neoplasms

Pannus

Cataract

Gastric Torsion

Perianal Fistulas

Cardiomyopathy

Hemangiosarcoma

German Shepherd dogs are also extremely susceptible to a potentially fatal systemic infection from the fungus Aspergillus.

German Shepherd Dog History

The modern German Shepherd dog is the end result of a concerted effort in the late 19th century to breed the perfect German sheep herding dog. Up until that time each district boasted its own distinct herding dog. To achieve the perfect herding dog various dog breeds from the north were crossbred with those from the central district ultimately resulting with the forbearer of the modern German Shepherd.

The goal of the German Shepherd dog breeding program was to produce a dog that could watch out for and control straying sheep from the rest of the flock without spooking the entire flock. Thus unlike cattle herding dogs it was undesirable for the German Shepherd dog to exhibit leg nipping and neither could it control its wards by barking at them because either one of those attributes would more than likely cause the entire flock to panic!

In essence the German Shepherd dog breeding program had to come up with an extremely intelligent, versatile, swift and independent thinking breed of dog that executed its duties in a precise, swift, calm and steady manner.

Between 1899 and 1901 a specialist breed club was established and was originally headquartered in Stuttgart before moving to Munich and then finally ending up in Berlin. This club was known as Der Verein Fur Schaferhunde (SV for short), and this organization’s primary goal and purpose was to oversee the continued positive development of the German Shepherd dog breed.

Within a decade of its breeding the German Shepherd dog had soon become one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Its rising star in popularity was slightly marred by the occurrence of the two world wars, when it was considered prudent in both Britain and France to refer to the dog breed as either an Alsatian or simple the Shepherd Dog to avoid the inevitable backlash at the time associated with the word German incorporated in the dog breed’s name.

More about the dog

About the Author:

Get Your Free Dog Training Course From http://www.dog-breeds-spot.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - German Shepherd Dog Characteristics