Unfortunately, the 21st-century German Shepherd is plagued with a multitude of health and temperament problems stemming from his years of ups and downs in popularity. Given his large size, orthopedic problems have long been a curse of the breed, with hip dysplasia first on the list of concerns. Further, as such a popular guard dog, he is often the target of breed-specific legislation in communities that have experienced aggressive behavior in the guardian-dog breeds. If you hope to find a quality Shepherd, patronize only an experienced and reputable breeder who is honest and forthright, willing to educate you about the pros and cons and available to advise you if problems arise.
Although the German Shepherd has qualities that make him suitable for many a dog lover, a prospective owner must consider the dogs inherent needs before adding one to the household. The ideal Shepherd family must be willing and able to give their dog adequate living space, plenty of physical and mental exercise, regular grooming and, most importantly, proper training. If you meet those conditions, the German Shepherd will reward you with love and devotion unmatched by any other breed of dog.
Next step: German Shepherd Dog Overview
Reprinted from Breeders Best: German Shepherd Dog © 2004. Permission granted by Kennel Club Books, an imprint of BowTie Press.
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