They are handsome dogs with their distinctive bushy tail, square muzzle and black mask. Usually a black and tan color, they can also be sable and even solid black. As a medium to large dog, they reach a maximum of about 25 inches in height and weigh up to 95 pounds. German shepherds have an average life expectancy of 10-12 years.
An active, intelligent dog bred for a purpose, this needs to be considered when looking for German shepherd puppies for sale.
The breed traces its roots to Germany in the late 1800s. At the time, shepherd dogs there varied in size and ability from region to region. A cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, endeavored to develop the ideal herding dog selected from crossing these different types. He carefully chose the best strains from the northern and central districts, producing the ancestors of today’s German shepherd.
Used as police and military dogs during World War I, Allied soldiers noticed the dogs’ skill at locating wounded soldiers. They came to the United States when soldiers returned home, and the breed was made famous after it played the starring role in the film Rin Tin Tin.
Bred for long days working outdoors, the German shepherd has a medium-length coat consisting of a dense outer layer with a softer undercoat beneath it. While this means they shed throughout the year, they are easy to groom. A quick brush every few days or so helps remove loose hairs, but like other breeds, they shed more profusely once or twice a year.
Protective and smart, German shepherds develop close bonds with their families. They get along well with children and other animals if raised with them, but in keeping with their guarding instincts, strangers may need to earn their trust.
Make no bones about it, this breed will need rigorous daily exercise. After all, a dog bred for herding and guarding the farm has a lot of energy to expend. They also need plenty of opportunities to use their smarts with stimulating training activities. German shepherds that are not exercised sufficiently can become frustrated.
There are many reasons why the German shepherd has remained among the most recognizable breeds. Courage, confidence and the ability to easily learn many tasks make it popular today over a century after it first made an appearance in America.
If your household is active and loves the outdoors, the German shepherd dog could fit perfectly into your life. Although this breed does require activity and stimulation, it’s returned in abundance in loyalty.
Call (813) 444-4365 for more information on any of our puppies for adoption. We have German Shepherds for sale in Tampa, Bradenton, Pinellas Park, Sarasota, Wesley Chapel, St. Petersburg, and all around the greater bay area.
