The short-haired German Shepherd just might be one of the most desirable dogs out there. People love this working breed for its graceful stature, intelligence, and many other qualities that make it an amazing dog to have.
However, its high energy levels and reserved personality traits mean you should do your research before taking one of these dogs on. Here’s everything you need to know before bringing home a short-haired German Shepherd.
Where To Get A Short-Haired German Shepherd
Because of their high energy levels, German Shepherds are often taken on by people who don’t understand their needs. That means they can be left at shelters or rescues, so it’s quite easy to find German Shepherds who are up for adoption. Bear…
Go and look around shelters if you’d like to adopt. You may have to settle for an older dog, which can be disappointing for those who want a puppy to raise, but you’ll find one. You can also contact breed-specific rescues. Due to the nature of the German Shepherd, they’ll likely want someone who can commit a lot of time to exercise and doesn’t have a hectic work schedule. They may also ask for breed experience.
The last place you can go is a breeder. If purchasing a short-haired German Shepherd from a breeder, make sure you meet two health-tested parents. The puppy should ideally be over eight weeks old and have their first round of shots. Any responsible breeder will also make you sign a spay/neuter contract to ensure you won’t become a backyard breeder.
The Cost
From a breeder, the short-haired German Shepherd will cost between $500 and $1500, depending on their lines, but could go even higher. Shadow…
Shelters and rescues charge much less and usually spay/neuter their dogs, as well as getting them the appropriate shots.
If you see a breeder selling German Shepherd puppies for a very cheap price, it’s a red flag. The puppies likely haven’t been socialized very well or seen a vet.
Appearance
These dogs come in a variety of colors, from white to black and tan. As the name suggests, they do have a short coat, but they still shed!
They are large, with a long tail, sloped back, and pricked ears. Hey.archer…
Short-Haired German Shepherd – Temperament
As these dogs are working dogs, their needs are not insignificant. They not only have very high energy levels and need a lot of exercise, but they’re very intelligent and demand mental stimulation. Make sure you provide them with plenty of enrichment, such as puzzle toys and lick mats. This will help keep them busy!
Although they’re intelligent, they can have a bit of a stubborn streak. It’s important to be aware of this and provide plenty of patience and positive reinforcement when working with them, as you don’t want to damage your relationship with them.
The main thing to be aware of is that they can be very reserved with strangers. Make sure to provide them with plenty of treats when meeting strangers and socialize them early and a lot. This will help them see strangers as positive. Momjm…
Diet
When picking a kibble for your German Shepherd, you should consider a large breed food. This will ensure they get everything they need. Asking your vet for advice is key when it comes to picking out a diet, as they’ll have good recommendations. Not all food is created equal!
Grain-free kibble is often marketed as being healthy, but has been linked to heart disease in dogs, so be aware of this.
You can also consider a raw diet but, as dogs are omnivores with complex dietary needs, make sure your dog’s meals are prepared by someone who knows what they’re doing. Caesar…
Short-Haired German Shepherd Veterinary Needs
A short-haired German Shepherd can have some health issues, such as hip dysplasia. The best way to avoid this happening is to make sure the parents are genetically clear of this and keep up with preventative vet visits. These will be necessary once a year to give your dog their boosters and make sure they’re in good health. You should also get them a prescription for flea and heartworm medication.
As puppies, you’ll have to get them a series of shots to ensure they’re protected against parvovirus, distemper, and other nasty diseases. They’ll also receive their first rabies and bordetella shots at this point. Until they have them all, keep them away from other dogs and places other unknown dogs have been. Shadow…
Grooming
This dog might have a short coat, but don’t let that fool you. They shed a lot, and you’ll need to brush them frequently to get rid of the excess hair. You’ll also have to keep their ears and teeth clean.
Nail care is also important for dogs. File them down or clip them every couple of months. If your dog has trouble with this, provide plenty of treats for a positive association with grooming time.
Short-Haired German Shepherd – Photos
