General Information on German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherd dogs are everywhere! As one of the most active dog breeds working today, you see GSDs in airports, subway stations, and even Times Square. These dogs serve as police K-9s, military working dogs, search and rescue dogs, and much more.

Have you ever thought about why this particular breed is so suited for this kind of hard work?

The breed dates back to the 1890s when it worked as a herding and farm dog. According to the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA), the official parent club and "guardian" of the breed in the United States, the very first registered German Shepherd Dog in Germany was a "working sheepherder, requiring no training other than direction and finish to become proficient at the task." GSDs were prized for their "utility and intelligence" and later used heavily in the World Wars, demonstrating their trainability, loyalty, and courage.

The GSDCA describes the breed best as approachable, quietly standing its ground, and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. It is poised, but when the occasion demands, eager and alert; both fit and willing to serve in its capacity as companion, watchdog, blind leader, herding dog, or guardian, whichever the circumstances may demand."

These qualities have been bred into German Shepherd Dogs for over a hundred years, endearing the breed to a wide public in practically every country of the globe as a companion, protector, and friend.

The all-time ACE (Awards for Canine Excellence) winning breed is the German Shepherd Dog, with 13 awards. The Awards for Canine Excellence celebrate canine heroes in appreciation for the inspiring ways in which they contribute to our lives. Each year, five loyal, hard-working dogs are commemorated for making significant contributions to an individual or their community.

German shepherd slope or straight back

Another breeder posted this. I wanted to share this because I couldn't say it any better than what was said. I even had a very reputable show breeder deny any updated pictures I sent her unless the dog was stacked. So I stopped sending her updates. I don’t stack my dogs. I think it is silly and unnecessary. I want to show the beauty of the dog itself in its natural stance and shape. Not to form it at an unnatural angle. I know of breeders that start stacking their puppies as young as 6 weeks. This is what the breeder said.

Every once in a while, we are asked if we breed "straight-back" or "slopped-back" dogs, and it makes me uncomfortable. We believe that a dog is either a good representative of the line or not, bred per standard or not. The same dog can be stacked (or photoshopped) to look very squarish or very low; each is extreme and should not be a goal. As a versatile utility dog, the German Shepherd Dog breed has several different "types, each better suited for different purposes and roles. Each type is valued and respected for what it brings to the breed, and many owners and handlers prefer one over the other. All of these types of German Shepherd dogs within the breed are unique for a variety of reasons. Physical appearance, drives, temperament, and purpose vary among the lines, but all of them are German Shepherds equally.

Get to know the German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the world's leading police, guard, and military dog. However, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States' most popular breeds, according to AKC® Registration Statistics, the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder, and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct, and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. The GSD may be many colors, but most commonly, it is black and tan.

A Look Back

The German Shepherd Dog originated in 1899 in Karlsruhe, Germany, due to the efforts of Captain Max von Stephanitz and others. Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, the first German Shepherd dog exhibited in America was in 1907. The fame associated with Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart, two members of the breed whose movies played on variations of the boy and his dog theme, shot the popularity of the breed sky-high.

Can you guarantee my puppy will not have hip problems?

No breeder in the world can guarantee that the puppies won't develop dysplasia, and if they do... beware. Hip dysplasia is considered polygenic and is also influenced by environmental factors. That means that it's caused by a combination of genes that may not have shown up in any litter previously. No matter the certifications in the pedigree, it is possible that your puppy could be predisposed to hip dysplasia. Treatments (both surgical and drug-based) can be done early to alleviate problems down the line. If in doubt, find an orthopedic specialist. Be wary of a breeder who says their puppies will definitely not have hip problems. OFA is an X-ray done on a dog at 2 years old that will show quality hips.

All my dogs are highly active, running, jumping, hiking, and swimming. I always encourage potential owners to come to see the health and temperament of the parents. I get preliminary xrays on the dogs to see any weakness in the hips or elbows. If the dog fails the xray, the dog will be rehomed and retired..

What is schutzhund?

Schutzhund is German for "protection dog", but it also refers to a training discipline and dog sport involving 3 phases: obedience, tracking, and protection. It is supposed to be a fun experience for both the dog and the handler. All my girls have bloodlines from champion wins in Germany for such events. Note that titles that say VA1 are considered world champions. Also, 2X VA 1 are rare champions that won the world champion TWO TIMES! Our ancestors were real German shepherds. These champions are judged on what they accomplish, not just their looks. Note: Schutzhund is a way of measuring their abilities. SCH 3 is tops. I'm not into the show where the dog runs in a circle and is judged for its beauty. These are extremely intelligent working dogs.

Will my german shepherd ears stand up?

Although some puppies ears stand up as early as 8-10 weeks, don’t be concerned if your pup’s ears don’t stand up until 6 months. (especially pups with large ears) Some pups ears never stand up. Some vets will tape the dog’s ears. I recommend ear foam support instead. Taping is a weekly pulling off the tape, cleaning the ears and putting the support back on the ear. Taping is known for causing ear infections and can be painful to pull on and off. Ear foam support is more like a splint and allows natural movement of the ear which helps strengthen the cartilage to hold the ear standing. I have never had any ear infections or issues with using the ear foam support. I have had excellent results with adding ear foam supports at 6 months of age. It takes about a month of keeping support in the ear for the cartilage to strengthen.  Teething and environmental issues can cause a lot of issues with proper growth of the standing of the ears. Example mishandling and constant tugging on the ears by children, other dogs biting and chewing on the ears, etc.. I recommend at least 2 or 3 ear supports kept on hand with the skin adhesive glue. This way you can immediately put back in the support if it is damaged or lost. Another dog in the home will possibly take it out of the ear. You can contact me at 6 months of age I will insert the first set of support for free. Even if only one ear is down support both when you first insert the support. It tends to cause the other ear to flop. Let glue set for 5 minutes on support and ear before combining it together. Wait another 5 minutes preventing dog from scratching.  Normally it will fall out around 2 weeks. If one of the ears is standing just add the foam support to the one not standing. Do not clean out glue yet. The glue will support the ear a little longer.

  5 Myths of German Shepherd Ears:         A Guide to Understanding and Caring for Them

German Shepherds are renowned for their intelligence, loyalty, and striking appearance. One of the most distinctive features of these majestic and enchanting dogs is their ears. Whether erect or floppy, their ears add to their charm and personality. But what exactly determines the shape of a German Shepherd’s ears, and how should you care for them? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of German Shepherd ears. Floppy ears do not necessarily indicate whether you have a German Shepherd or not…..

The Genetics Behind German Shepherd Ears

The shape of a German Shepherd’s ears is primarily determined by genetics. In the breed standard, German Shepherds are supposed to have erect ears that stand firm. However, not all German Shepherds naturally have erect ears. Some may have floppy ears, which is often referred to as “soft ears” or “rose ears.”

The erect ear trait is inherited dominantly, meaning that if both parents have erect ears, their offspring are more likely to have erect ears as well. However, if one or both parents have floppy ears, there’s a chance that some of the puppies in the litter may also have floppy ears.

Erect Ears vs. Floppy Ears 

Erect ears are the ideal standard for German Shepherds according to breed standards. These ears are typically large, triangular in shape, and stand upright, giving the dog a vigilant and alert appearance. Floppy ears, on the other hand, are softer and droop down to the sides of the head.

There are a number of factors that contribute to floppy ears vs. erect ears. Genetics and Ear Trauma are two such factors. Did you know that rubbing a puppy’s ears to hard can cause damage to the cartilage in ears? Well, it can.

While some people prefer the classic look of erect ears, others find floppy ears equally endearing. Regardless of ear type, both variations are perfectly normal and do not affect the dog’s health or temperament.

4 Myths Regarding German Shepherd Ears:

Myth No. 1: All German shepherds should have erect ears: While the breed standard does describe the ideal ear shape as erect, not all German shepherds have naturally erect ears. Some may have floppy ears, which is perfectly normal and doesn’t affect their breed identity or health.

Myth No. 2: Floppy ears indicate a health problem: Floppy ears in German shepherds are often just a result of genetics and don’t necessarily indicate any health issues. However, if a German shepherd’s ears suddenly go floppy or there are other signs of discomfort or illness, it’s best to consult a veterinarian.

Myth No. 3: Taping or cropping ears is necessary: Some owners may believe that taping or cropping a German shepherd’s ears is necessary to achieve the “perfect” erect ear look. However, these practices are controversial and unnecessary for the dog’s health or well-being. It’s best to let the ears develop naturally.

Myth No. 4: Ears will always stay the same: While a German shepherd’s ears may start out floppy or erect, they can sometimes change shape during the puppy’s growth period. It’s not uncommon for a puppy with floppy ears to eventually develop erect ears as they mature, but this isn’t guaranteed for every dog.

Myth No. 5: Only pure breed German Shepherds have erect ears: False. As previously explained, genetics and ear trauma can determine floppy vs. erect. Rubbing a puppy’s ears with too much and/or with too much force can break down the cartilage causing floppy ears. This is actually more common than you’d think. So even though we love a puppy with floppy ears, rub them sparingly!

Caring for German Shepherd Ears

Regardless of whether your German Shepherd’s ears are erect or floppy, proper ear care is essential to maintain their health and hygiene:

1. Regular Cleaning: Clean your dog’s ears regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, wax, and moisture, which can lead to infections. Use a gentle ear cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian and avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
2. Monitoring for Infections:Keep an eye out for signs of ear infections, such as redness, swelling, odor, or discharge. If you notice any abnormalities, consult your veterinarian promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
3. Gentle Handling:Handle your dog’s ears with care, especially if they are sensitive or prone to irritation. Avoid pulling or tugging on the ears, which can cause discomfort or injury.
4. Supporting Floppy Ears:If your German Shepherd has floppy ears and you prefer the erect look, there are methods to encourage ear cartilage to stand up. Consult with a professional dog trainer or veterinarian for advice on techniques such as taping or bracing.
5. Regular Veterinary Checkups:Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to ensure your German Shepherd’s overall health, including the condition of their ears.

German Shepherd ears come in a variety of shapes and sizes, each contributing to the dog’s unique character and charm. Whether erect or floppy, these ears are an integral part of what makes German Shepherds so captivating. By understanding the genetics behind ear shape and practicing proper ear care, you can help ensure that your German Shepherd’s ears remain healthy and happy for years to come.