Learn More About Old German Shepherd Dog

Summary

The Old German Shepherd Dog is a variant of the German Shepherd Dog and has its origins in Germany. It falls under FCI Group 1, Section 1, making it a herding dog. Unlike its modern relative, the German Shepherd, the Old German Shepherd has a straight back and its fur is often longer and thicker. His strong stature and powerful head, together with his attentive expression, give him an imposing appearance.

Character

The Old German Shepherd Dog is known for its strong work ethic, intelligence and loyalty to its caregiver. As a herding dog, he has an innate protective instinct and tends to defend his family and home. At the same time, he is also an extremely people-oriented dog who seeks close contact with his people and enjoys being part of their daily activities. The Old German Shepherd Dog is an active dog with a lot of energy. He needs both physical and mental challenges to be happy and balanced. An activity that corresponds to his natural instincts, such as herding, searching or tracking work, can be very helpful. However, the Old German Shepherd is also a very adaptable dog that can integrate well into different lifestyles as long as its needs are met. This German Shepherd is an intelligent and trainable animal. He learns quickly and is able to solve complex tasks. This makes him an excellent companion dog for a wide range of tasks, from search and rescue to therapy work to various dog sports. With his intelligence comes a certain independence. The Old German Shepherd Dog is able to work independently and make decisions. However, this can also mean that he has a strong will of his own and is not always easy to handle. A consistent but loving education is therefore essential. Even though the Old German Shepherd Dog is a working dog, it is also a family dog. He is generally good with children and other pets as long as he has been properly socialized. However, he also needs his rest periods and should not be constantly "on his toes". be held. Despite his hard work and energy, the Old German Shepherd can also learn to stay alone, as long as this is not the case too often or for long periods of time. He is very oriented towards his caregiver and would like to always be by their side. However, if he gets used to it from an early age, he can spend a few hours a day alone. Like many herding dogs, the Old German Shepherd has a strong hunting instinct. However, this does not mean that he necessarily has a problem with small animals or cats. With proper socialization and training, he can learn to get along well with these animals too. In conclusion, the Old German Shepherd Dog is a vigilant and attentive dog. He is always alert to his surroundings and ready to protect his family. This makes him a good guard dog, but is not aggressive, but rather has a deterrent effect. His loyalty and protective instinct make him a loyal companion and friend who will always be by your side.

What to Expect

German Shepherds are versatile dogs that need meaningful activity. They are alert and territorial. They are considered good family dogs, but only with the appropriate training and activity. In addition to the stockhair coat variant, there is also the longstockhair coat variant, also known as the Old German Shepherd Dog.

Care

The Old German Shepherd Dog is an active and intelligent dog that wants to be exercised both physically and mentally. Therefore, he needs sufficient exercise and activity. Due to its size and activity, it is less suited to living in a small city apartment without a garden. A house with a garden or a rural setting are ideal for this breed. This breed is very people-oriented and family-oriented, which generally makes them good family dogs. You can deal well with children, provided of course that the interaction is respectful and the children have been given appropriate instructions. Early socialization is important so that the dog gets along well with other animals, such as cats or small animals.

Training & Education

Old German Shepherd Dogs are known for their high learning ability and their desire to please their people. This makes them excellent candidates for various dog sports and activities, such as agility, obedience, rescue dog work or tracking work. When training it, it is important to rely on positive reinforcement and to give the dog clear structures and rules. They are very sensitive and do not respond well to harsh or unfair treatment. It is important to note that this breed enjoys a lot of activity and exercise. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation, but there is also a risk of them becoming "ball junkies." become. It is therefore important to vary the activities and allow the dog to relax. Old German Shepherd Dogs have a strong protective instinct, which can become problematic if they are not socialized or trained correctly. It is therefore important to start socialization early and show the dog that not every situation or stranger is a threat.

Nutrition & Grooming

The Old German Shepherd Dog has a thick coat of hair with an undercoat that protects it from the elements. That's why it can adapt very well to different climatic conditions in Germany. However, this also means that he sheds more during the shedding season in spring and autumn and then requires more intensive fur care. Regular brushing can help keep the coat healthy and beautiful and also helps reduce hair in the home. When it comes to diet, Old German Shepherds are not picky eaters. They can be well supplied with both high-quality dry and wet food. Some owners also choose raw feeding (also called BARF), but this requires a thorough understanding of a dog's nutritional needs to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Regardless of the type of feeding you choose, it is important to ensure a balanced diet that contains all the necessary nutrients, vitamins and minerals.