DOGS

11/21/2021

Belgian Malinois Dog

The Belgian Malinois is an elegant, well-proportioned, natural, medium-sized, square dog.

He gives the impression of elegant robustness. He is a hardy dog, accustomed to living outdoors with a coat built to resist the damp Belgian climate. His elegance and expression denote great strength of character, making him a proud representative of the herding breeds. The Belgian Malinois is an enthusiastic and quick dog with a natural tendency to be in motion. Males are 24 to 26 inches tall and weigh 55 to 75 pounds (25 to 34 kilograms). Females are 22 to 24 inches and weigh 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kilograms).

The coat should be comparatively short and straight, hard enough to be weather resistant, with a dense undercoat. It should be very short on the head, ears and lower legs. The hair is somewhat longer around the neck where it forms a collarette, and on the tail and backs of the thighs. The coat should conform to the body without standing out or hanging down.

The basic coloring is a rich fawn to mahogany, with black tips on the hairs giving an overlay appearance. The mask and ears are black. The Belgian Malinois is a double-coated breed and will generally shed twice a year. Bathing when dirty, brushing once or twice a week, and clipping the nails will keep your Malinois in great condition.

11/21/2021

Belgian Malinois Dog

History
The Belgian Malinois (MAL-in-wah), first bred around the city of Malines in the northwestern region of Belgium, are one of four closely related breeds of Belgian herding dogs. In some countries, the Malinois is classified together with the Tervuren, Laekenois, and Belgian Shepherd (aka Groenendael) as a single breed collectively known as the Belgian Sheepdog. In America, the Malinois has been registered as a separate breed since 1959. He bears a passing resemblance to the German Shepherd Dog but has a different head, and is leggier and finer b***d, than his better-known German counterpart.

Mals have long been acknowledged as a peerless livestock herder in their native land. They were first bred by serious dog people who were primarily concerned with producing dogs of sterling working character and who spurned passing fads and fancies of pet owners. This emphasis on performance made the Mal the go-to dog for Belgian sheepherders and cattlemen.

It was in 1911 that Mals were first brought to America. They flourished here until the outbreak of World War II put an end to the importation of European breeding stock. The breed languished in the postwar years until the early 1960s, when the Mal’s admirers began the process of replenishing its American population.

Mals are still prized as herders of all kinds of stock, but their versatility and high work-drive have opened careers in many other occupations and activities. They are highly sought after as police and military K-9s. They have served with such distinction that the Fayetteville, North Carolina, memorial to military dogs features a life-size bronze of a Belgian Malinois.

11/21/2021

تتميز كلاب المالينو بالذكاء الحاد

10/25/2021

German shepherd dogs (GSD) are noble, diligent, loyal, and highly intelligent dogs. They are large in size and have very streamlined, athletic builds that make them both strong and agile. Though they are excellent herding dogs, German shepherds are very well suited to work as service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind. They are excellent performing as working dogs, especially in police and military operations. They also make highly effective guard dogs. Of course, the German shepherd dog also makes a wonderful companion in the right home.

10/25/2021

German Shepherd Dog

In April 1899, Captain Max von Stephanitz registered dog with name Deutsche Schäferhunde, which means “German Shepherd Dog” in English. The first German shepherd dog was shown in America in 1907 and the breed was recognized by AKC in 1908. This dog breed was also used in movies Strongheart and Rin-Tin-Tin, which brought a lot of attention, making it very popular

Description

Well proportioned and very strong breed, German shepherd has a muscular, sturdy, and slightly elongated body type with a light, solid bone structure. Their forehead is little rounded and nose is most often black. Their teeth meet in a strong scissors bite and dark eyes are almond-shaped, and never protruding. The ears of German shepherd are wide at the base, and upright, pointed and turned forward. The bushy tail of this muscular breed reaches below the hocks and it hangs down when the dog is at rest.

German shepherd’s thighs are thick and sturdy and front legs and shoulders are muscular. On the basis of coat type, there are three varieties of the German shepherd: plush coat, double coat and longhaired coat, which most often comes in black with tan, sable or all black as well as white, blue and liver color, but white, blue and liver colors are considered a fault according to most standards.

10/25/2021

German Shepherd Dog

As his name suggests, the German shepherd originated in Karlsruhe, Germany. This breed was created in the 19th century by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who wanted to develop a dog breed that could be used for police and military work. The end result was a dog that encompassed good looking, responsiveness, obedience, versatility and acute intelligence.

10/25/2021

German Shepherd Dog
German shepherd’s abilities go far beyond its origin as a herding dog, as they have done extremely well in every canine sport, including obedience, agility, rally, tracking and, of course, herding. These protective but loving dogs are great choice for families with children, as well as singles and couples who love the outdoors. If you also want to be a proud owner of this amazing dog breed, then this article is a must read for you as it explains all important information about this energetic dog breed. Let’s begin.

10/25/2021

The German Shepherd Dog is a natural protector and so adaptable and intelligent that he has performed just about every job known to dog. If he had opposable thumbs, he would be unstoppable.

Rin Tin Tin, a pup found in a World War I battle zone, became the world’s first canine movie star, forever marking the German Shepherd Dog as one of the most easily recognized breeds. From his imposing size to his erect ears and dark, intelligent eyes, he has achieved legendary status as the ideal canine. A versatile, athletic and fearless working dog, the Shepherd has done just about every job a dog can do, from leading the blind and detecting illicit drugs to bringing down fleeing criminals and serving in the armed forces. An energetic, loyal and devoted companion, the German Shepherd isn’t a breed but a lifestyle.

The abilities of this breed go far beyond its origin as a herding dog. The German Shepherd has made a name for himself as a police and military dog, guide and assistance dog, search and rescue dog, and detector dog. He has excelled in every canine sport, including agility, obedience, rally, tracking and, of course, herding. German Shepherds still work livestock on farms and ranches around the world, including the United States. If you have horses, they will trot alongside you while you ride and help you put the horses back in the barn when you’re done.

It takes some dedication to live with a German Shepherd. Be prepared to provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. A half-hour walk twice a day, plus a vigorous play or training session, is a good start.

The protective but loving German Shepherd is a great choice for families with children, but singles and couples who love the outdoors also match up well with this breed. With sufficient exercise and opportunities to use their considerable athleticism and brains, these versatile companions can handle anything from a small city apartment to a vast ranch. They're not suited for life in the backyard or a doghouse, but need to live indoors as a member of the family.

10/23/2021

German Shepherd Dog Breed Information Guide: Quirks, Pictures, Personality & Facts

Welcome to the BarkPost guide to dog breeds where we belly flop straight into the depths of dog breed origin, evolution, and purpose. Follow along each week as we publish new guides that highlight the strangest, most interesting, and most surprising stuff about these creatures who have been our best buds the last 30,000 years.

(All dogs are individuals, which means any single dog from any breed can be any number of ways, both good and not so good. Keep that in mind as we discuss breed generalities!)

In the dog world, the German Shepherd is considered employee-of-the-year in nearly every job known to canines. Due to their intelligence, focus, and physical capabilities, German Shepherds excel in helping us humans out. They are also loyal, courageous, and protective. Basically, German Shepherds are canine super heroes!

Also Known As…
GSD. Deutshe Schäferhund (Germany). Alastian (UK). "They're similar to other kinds of Shepherd Dogs, only they have a really thick German accent when they bark."

Origins
According to the AKC, the earliest German Shepherd Dog (called Deutshe Schäferhund in German) dates back to the late 1800s. During this time, Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German calvary officer, was determined to create the ideal herding dog. Von Stephanitz and other breeders mixed various herding dogs throughout Germany. These efforts eventually resulted in the German Shepherd's ancestors. In the 35 following years, Von Stephanitz and colleagues succeeded in promoting and perfecting this breed.

From this process arose a remarkable canine, one who embodies stealth, diligence, intelligence, agility, and authority. Now, the German Shepherd's repertoire of talents far exceeds herding in German pastures. In fact, the AKC reports that the German Shepherd Dog is the "preferred dog for police and military units the world over."

Within the German Shepherd's impressive resume are many starring movie roles. During the early 1900s, canine co-stars in Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart elevated the breed's status in America. However, the German Shepherd fell victim to anti-German sentiments during the world war eras. During this time, the British referred to the breed as the "Alastian."

The German Shepherd's popularity has undoubtably recovered since this era. In fact, the German Shepherd is the runner-up for America's most popular dog breed! According to the AKC, they are ranked #2 out of 192 in Breed Popularity. Can you guess who #1 is?

Size
Females tend to stand 22 to 24 inches while males tend to stand 24 to 26 inches at the withers (tops of shoulders).

German Shepherds are considered a large-sized breed.

Weight Range
Male German Shepherds typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds while female German Shepherds typically weigh 50 to 70 pounds.

Personality

German Shepherds may seem aloof due to their alert, fearless, and protective demeanor. This makes them excellent watchdogs and ideal for authoritative roles. However, their hearts are as soft as their fur. With their trusted companions, German Shepherds are incredibly affectionate, devoted, and fun-loving. These playful pups are packed with energy, so it's never a boring day with a German Shepherd! Plus, they're wicked-smart so you can easily teach them tricks worthy for a viral video.

Intelligence / Trainability

The German Shepherd is like that one impossibly perfect kid in high school: a beautiful, athletic, brainiac. This breed is undoubtably smart and admirably hard working. The German Shepherd's intellect and diligence has helped us out in the military, police work, hospitals, movie sets, and farms.

Not only are German Shepherds smart and versatile, but they're extremely eager-to-please. The combination of this intellect, work ethic, and disposition makes them impressively trainable.

Despite the breed's trainability, proper training is vital in unlocking their full training potential. German Shepherds respond best to consistent, positive reinforcement training. Basically, shower your German Shepherd with reinforcers (like praise and treats) every time she performs the desired behavior.

Ideal Environment

The German Shepherd's ideal home is a house with a yard to romp around in! These big dogs need lots of exercise and ample space to unleash their energy.

Despite their hardiness, German Shepherds fair best living indoors with the family. These loyal companions highly dislike being left alone for extended periods of time. German Shepherds are happiest being active and bonding with their families!

Good For Families And Kids

German Shepherds bond well with family members of all ages! They are very loyal and protective of their "pack" members. German Shepherds adore taking part in family activities, such as picnicking, hiking, and swimming.

While their size, strength, and energy may seem overwhelming, German Shepherds make wonderful kiddie companions. DogTime describes German Shepherds as a "cross between a babysitter and a cop" for children. Their gentle and protective demeanor creates a balance well-suited for kids.

Average Lifespan
Most sources report that German Shepherds typically live 10 to 12 years. However, some sources report 7 to 10 years while others report 10 to 14 years.

Health

German Shepherds are generally healthy, robust dogs. However, like any breed, they are prone to certain health conditions. These conditions include elbow and hip dysplasia, bloat, heart issues, and degenerative myelopathy.

Healthcare for every German Shepherd should include routine veterinary visits, heart worm and parasite prevention, nail trims, teeth brushings, and vaccinations.

Energy

Bred to herd all the live-long day, German Shepherds are incredibly active and athletic! They are admired for their speed, stealthy, agility, and strength. It is important to get your German Shepherd ample daily exercise to keep her happy and healthy. Pent-up energy from insufficient exercise may turn into stress and destructive behaviors.

10/23/2021

9. Instant popularity
The German Shepherd has been one of the most popular dogs in the UK for decades. Its popularity dates back to when they were first accepted into the Kennel Club in 1919. Within seven years annual registrations had soared from just 54 to over 8.000.

10/23/2021

8. Famous fans
Celebrity German Shepherd owners include Jake Gyllenhaal, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Stewart, Miley Cyrus, Claudia Schiffer, Jennifer Aniston and Enrique Iglesias.

10/23/2021

7. Canine heroes
More German Shepherds have won the PDSA Dickin Medal than any other breed. They have been awarded the canine equivalent of the Victoria Cross on 10 occasions.

10/23/2021

6. Crime buster
A Mexican German Shepherd called Zuyaqui is thought to be the dog that has captured the most drugs in Mexican history. His body is now on display at the Mexican Secretariat of National Defense's Narco Museum in Mexico City.

10/23/2021

5. A star of the screen
German Shepherd Rin Tin Tin became a massive film star after being rescued from a World War One battlefield by American soldier called Duncan Lee who taught him to act in silent movies. He featured in 27 Hollywood movies and film studio Warner Bros. would release one whenever it was suffering from financial difficulties.

10/23/2021

4. Stars of the stage
In 1980s Holland, theatre director Whim Schipper staged a play starring six German Shepherds, sending the dogs to drama lessons and giving them treats for acting well. The play, a domestic drama about a girl bringing a new boyfriend to meet her family, was unfortunately a flop.

10/23/2021

3. A change of name
After the World Wars, some Europeans and Americans were wary of all things German and so rechristened their beloved pets as Shepherd Dogs or Alsatian Wolf Dogs. The name was officially changed back by the Kennel Club in 1977 but some people still call them Alsatians today.

10/23/2021

2. Clever dogs
German Shepherds rank within the three most intelligent dog breeds. To be included in this top tier of canine bright sparks a breed must understand a new command after only five repetitions and follow the first command given to them 95 percent of the time.

10/23/2021

These are 10 fun facts you might not know about the loyal and noble German Shepherd dog
They’re one of the UK’s most popular breeds of dog, but how much do you know about the strong and intelligent German
1. What's in a name
German Shepherds earned their name due to their talent for herding sheep. You'll be unlikely to see one acting as a sheepdog now though - these days their talents are more commonly utilised as police and military dogs due to their strength and intelligence.

10/23/2021

History
The German Shepherd Dog (Deutshe Schäferhund) descends from the family of German herding dogs that, until the late 19th century, varied in type from district to district.

In the waning years of the 1800s, a German cavalry officer, Captain Max von Stephanitz, made it his mission to develop the ideal German herder. Von Stephanitz and like-minded breeders crossed various strains from the northern and central districts of Germany, resulting in the ancestors of today’s German Shepherd Dog (GSD).

Von Stephanitz co-founded the world’s first club devoted to GSDs and spent 35 years promoting and refining the breed. Today, the GSD’s versatility is so thoroughly deployed in the performance of myriad tasks that it is easy to forget that the breed was originally created to herd sheep. The GSD’s now-famous qualities—intelligence, agility, speed, stealth, and the overall air of firm authority—were forged not in the police academy but in the sheep pasture.

GSDs became popular in the United States in the early 1900s, thanks in part to the adventures of canine movie stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. The GSD is among those German breeds, the Dachshund is another, that suffered from anti-German sentiment during and after the world wars. In World War I–era Britain, the breed was referred to as the Alsatian, a name many British dog lovers still prefer.

With the rise of modern livestock management and the decline of herding as a canine occupation, von Stephanitz shrewdly promoted his breed as an ideal K-9 worker. The GSD is today the preferred dog for police and military units the world over.

10/23/2021

National Breed Club & Rescue
Want to connect with other people who love the same breed as much as you do? We have plenty of opportunities to get involved in your local community thanks to AKC Breed Clubs located in every state and more than 450 AKC Rescue Network groups across the country.
The German Shepherd Dog Club of America, formed in 1913, is the AKC Parent Club representing the breed. Those interested in adopting a rescue can browse the list of affiliated rescues on the American German Shepherd Rescue Association's website.

10/23/2021

About the Breed
Generally considered dogkind's finest all-purpose worker, the German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog of noble character and high intelligence. Loyal, confident, courageous, and steady, the German Shepherd is truly a dog lover's delight.
German Shepherd Dogs can stand as high as 26 inches at the shoulder and, when viewed in outline, presents a picture of smooth, graceful curves rather than angles. The natural gait is a free-and-easy trot, but they can turn it up a notch or two and reach great speeds. There are many reasons why German Shepherds stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherds will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there's a 'certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.'

10/23/2021

Searching for the Genetic Basis of Bloat
Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV), also known as bloat, is a disease dreaded by dog owners and veterinary professionals.

In this emergency condition, the stomach fills with gas and rotates on its axis, leading to cardiovascular shock and abnormal function of the respiratory, gastrointestinal, kidney, and clotting systems.

Known risk factors for bloat include breed, increased body weight, lean body condition, deep-chested conformation, abnormal stomach motility, family history of bloat, and age. Dietary factors associated with the condition include feeding food of small particle size or large volumes of food at one time, feeding a single food type, and feeding a dry food with oil or fat among the first four ingredients.

Because of the increased risk for bloat in specific breeds and in dogs with a family history of bloat, genetic factors are likely to contribute to disease risk, but they have not yet been described. With funding from the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), investigators at Tufts University are examining the genetic and metabolic factors associated with bloat to understand the true cause of this disease (CHF Grant 01937-B: Evaluating the Complex Genetic Basis of Bloat).

They recently published their findings in Genes,1 providing important information about the genetic basis of bloat in dogs.

Investigators performed genetic analysis on 253 dogs representing 10 different breeds – Borzoi, German Shepherd Dog, Great Dane, Standard Poodle, Doberman, Briard, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, German Shorthaired Pointer, and Smooth Collie. By comparing the DNA of affected dogs to similar healthy dogs, they identified 27 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms, or SNPs, associated with the risk of bloat. Some variations were associated with a decreased risk of bloat, while others were associated with an increased risk. Eleven of these SNPs occur within or near genes associated with stomach motility, lending support for their involvement in disease development.

These results provide clues to the genetic causes of bloat in dogs. Additional study will validate the significance of these genetic variations and explore additional breed-specific genetic variants of interest.

10/23/2021

Food
Your German Shepherd’s diet will vary depending on their age. You’ll need to feed them a complete, balanced dog food to keep them slim and healthy.

Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of their daily calorie intake as this can unbalance their diet.

You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising.

10/23/2021

German Shepherds and other pets
To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. If you’re having issues with your German Shepherd around other pets, the best thing to do is get advice from a trainer or behaviourist.

German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. If they haven’t grown up with a cat or other smaller pets, though, they may have the urge to chase them so any introductions later in life should be done very carefully.

10/23/2021

German Shepherds and children
Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children.

Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds can be nervous of strangers so make sure they’re never left unsupervised. Be careful if you are introducing a German Shepherd to younger children or adults unfamiliar with the breed as they often don’t know their own strength.

10/23/2021

Grooming
Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! If you don’t like dog hair around the house or are allergic to dogs then they might not be the breed for you.

Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair (especially if they have a longer coat).

You won’t need to bathe your German Shepherd too often though unless advised by your vet, as their skin can be sensitive to this. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size.

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Exercise
Be prepared – German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Lack of exercise and stimulation can cause behavioural problems in any breed, but German Shepherds have a reputation for being especially highly strung so they need extra attention to make sure they’re kept active.

Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs, or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go.

German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential.

10/23/2021

Caring for your German Shepherd
German Shepherds are fantastic dogs and it’s easy to see why they are such a popular breed. However their size and strength means they aren’t suited to all families and need a lot of space to burn off their energy. You’ll need to make sure you have a lot of time to spend with these dogs and you are committed to providing for their exercise needs every day.

German Shepherds and barking
As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. If you’re having problems with excessive noise or barking, we recommend seeking the advice of an accredited behaviourist.

Training and socialisation
Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training – consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules.

German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours.

As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours.

10/23/2021

Common health problems in German Shepherds
German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions.

German Shepherds are in a group of breeds classed as ‘Category Three’ by The Kennel Club, which is the highest category of the health concerns due to their conformation. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips.

Some of the conditions German Shepherds may develop include:

Hip dysplasia – where hip joint that doesn’t fit together perfectly, which will eventually lead to arthritis. Before breeding, dogs should be screened by x-rays through the BVA/Kennel Club Hip Dysplasia Scheme.
Elbow dysplasia – a condition where a dog’s elbow socket doesn’t form properly, leading to pain and problems. There is a screening test for this.
Canine Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) – also known as Chronic Degenerative Radiculomyopathy (CDRM) causes weakness to back legs leading to paralysis. There is a screening test.
A**l furunculosis – a painful disease that causes ulceration around a dog’s bottom.
Inherited eye diseases – including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these.
Epilepsy – a brain disorder causing seizures.
Pituitary dwarfism – a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan.
Haemophilia A and B – bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available.
This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to.