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Showing posts with label DOG BREED A to K. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DOG BREED A to K. Show all posts

Jack Russell Terrier

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Jack-Russell-Terrier-dog-breed

Jack Russell Terriers are intelligent, versatile and incredibly fearless for their size, but also fun loving and extremely loyal which makes them the ideal family companion when properly trained.

HISTORY

The Jack Russell Terrier is an intrepid little dog, originally bred to hunt foxes who had gone underground. The breed originated in Devon, England in the mid- 1800s and to this day the Jack Russell remains a keen terrier.

The founder was the Parson “Jack” Russell who wanted a longer-legged agile terrier with plenty of spirit who could keep up with the hounds.  

Russell had a passion and understanding for the breed that is still highly regarded today. By 1830 Russell would embark on a series of cross-breeding with assorted breeds, most likely including beagles and bull terriers, in order to create a breed that would meet the needs of any British hunter.

It is not really clear when the first Jack Russell Terriers came to Australia and the breed was only officially recognised here in 1991.

APPEARANCE

The Jack Russell Terriers are ostensibly different - slightly longer - to the Parson Russell Terriers who are taller and square. Ideally the Jack Russell stands between 25-30cm (10-12″) in height, a bit taller than a Maltese, and is slightly longer than it is tall. 


Rough-coated-Jack-Russell-Terrier
Although narrow, the chest is deep though the shortened legs should still allow for plenty of clearance. The eyes will appear alert, the jaws deep, wide and powerful and the coat is predominantly white with black, tan or brown markings.

Today's Jack Russells are characterised by two-tone or tri-colour patterns of white, brown, and sometimes black. The Jack Russell Terrier comes in three coat varieties - smooth, rough and broken, and all require a minimum of grooming.

Modern day Jack Russells are much more sturdy and muscled than their ancestors.


  • Weight: 6 – 8 kg 
  • Height: 25 – 30 cm 
For the full breed standard, visit the ANKC website.

TEMPERAMENT 

The Jack Russell Terrier is a happy, energetic dog with a strong desire to work. This breed is most happy when given companionship and a job to do. Digging is normal for a Jack Russell, especially if he decides it is his job to free your yard from rodents! Hunting ability is bred into them; it is their nature. The desire to hunt combined with a high energy level makes training a must for the Jack Russell. You will never win a battle of wills with him!

Early socialisation is one of the most important things you can do for your Jack Russell puppy. Introducing him to the world in a controlled environment is key to raising a well-behaved, happy and friendly dog. Socialising is familiarisation of your puppy with different people, children, other dogs, animals and getting them used to all kinds of environments, sounds, smells and situations. 

Although bold and fearless, the Jack Russell Terrier should remain a friendly and playful dog with children and their owners. An untrained Jack Russell may grow to be a nippy dog and any bored dog is likely to be destructive. Because of his origins, Jack Russells can be vocal and they also make good watchdogs.
Jack-Russell-Terrier-in-grass

The breed’s fearless character can manifest itself when confronted with other dogs and any animal that resembles prey, including cats, hamsters etc.

HEALTH & LIFESPAN

The Jack Russell is a hardy breed with few health and genetic problems.

Some are prone to dislocation of the kneecaps, inherited eye diseases, deafness and Legg Perthes—a disease of the hip joints of small dog breeds.

Most other health issues relate to injuries caused by the dog’s fearless and spirited nature. This is a strong, healthy breed with an expected long lifespan, about 14-15 years.

GROOMING

The Jack Russell is a medium maintenance dog with all type of coats requiring some grooming. Smooth coat Jack Russells actually require more brushing (weekly) whereas the rough and broken coats will only need to be stripped every four weeks.

EXERCISE & TRAINING

The breed is energetic and requires at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Tall, secure fencing is essential as some dogs will be prone to dig, especially if bored. They are regarded as accomplished escape artists.

If you want a smart dog who can quickly learn tricks, run an agility or flyball course, play fetch until you drop, and who will make a charming companion when he's not getting into mischief, the Jack Russell could be the dog for you. 
Jack-Russell-Terrier-Flyball-course

Initially, training may be difficult as these strong-willed dogs can be easily distracted, therefore professional obedience training from an early age (around 12 weeks) is essential and a careful eye when walking your dog (on a lead) is always recommended.

RECOMMENDED FOR

Jack Russells have amazing skills and traits that make them excellent hunting dogs: digging, barking, an aggressive nature and the ability to follow scent. However, these same traits in a household are often interpreted as bad habits that cause people to give them up.

The Jack Russell Terrier can make an excellent companion and guard dog for experienced dog owners, families and the elderly as long as his exercise requirements are met.

Jack Russell Terriers can be recreational barkers, so they're not suited to apartment life.

Unfortunately too many Jack Russells are purchased as puppies by owners ill-prepared to care for this active breed. As a result, many are dumped at shelters and pounds or abandoned. It is important to consider the breed’s temperament and its match to your lifestyle before purchasing a new puppy.

  • Temperament: outgoing and friendly
  • Lifespan: 14-15 years
  • Maintenance: low
  • Recommended for: experienced owners

For more information on the breed, please visit:

Jack Russell Terrier Club of Australia
Jack Russell Club of NSW Inc.
Jack Russell Club of VIC

If you'd like to re-home a Jack Russell Terrier, please contact:

Hungarian Vizsla

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Dog-breed-Hungarian-Vizsla

The Hungarian Vizsla is a dog breed originating in Hungary. They are sporting dogs and loyal companions, in addition to being the smallest of the all-round pointer-retriever breeds.


HISTORY


The Vizsla (meaning “pointer” in Hungarian) is the national dog of Hungary. Its early origins are hard to trace but its history probably began in the ninth century when the warring Magyar tribes migrated from the Steppes of Asia and eventually settled in the Carpathian Basin, known today as Hungary. It is believed that, over the centuries, the Vizslas we know today evolved from the hunting/herding dogs that the Magyars brought with them.


Hungarian-Vizsla-retrieving-bird
For centuries the Vizsla was owned by the sporting nobility of Hungary and used to scent and search for birds that were then either caught by falcons or netted. After the introduction of firearms during the 1700's the nobility of the day required a gundog with an all-round ability to work on fur and feather, on the plains of Hungary. 

The dogs needed to be fast and have good noses which would enable them to work the giant hare and point the various game birds and wildfowl. The Vizsla was also used to hunt deer, wild boar and wolf, all of which it was expected to hold at bay. This work was usually performed using several dogs working together. 

During the 20th century, two world wars and the Russian invasion of Hungary decimated the Hungarian Vizsla population. After the First World War about a dozen dogs remained and these became the basis of all registered Vizslas in Hungary. During the Russian occupation, many nationals fled taking their Vizslas with them and thus the breed became established in Europe and the West.


APPEARANCE

Hungarian-Vizsla-dog-face
Photo credit: Hubertus Vizslas Australia
The Hungarian Vizsla is a slim, sleek, sophisticated-looking dog with a sensitive expression and thin, silky, drop ears. 

He has a short russet gold coat and the eyes and nose come in various shades of brown.

Although sometimes described as medium-sized, most dog owners would consider the Hungarian Vizsla belongs to the large breed category.

Height: Male: 56–64 cm; Female: 53–61 cm
Weight: Male: 20–29 kg; Female: 18–25 kg

For the full breed standard, visit the ANKC website 


TEMPERAMENT

Lively, friendly, even tempered and easily trained. The Hungarian Vizsla has an outstanding willingness to keep contact with his master while working and it is one of his essential qualities. 

The good-natured Hungarian Vizsla has even been called the "Velcro Vizsla" because he is so tactile - he likes to attach himself to people, preferably in their laps or on their heads!
The breed ranks low on aggression, destructiveness and snappiness, and high on playfulness.


Hungarian-Vizsla-agility-training
If you're interested in dog sports, your Hungarian Vizsla would probably be happy to compete. The Vizsla excels in conformation, field, obedience and agility. His superb scenting skills make him a natural hunter. 
Hungarian Vizslas have also been guide dogs, drug detection dogs, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs, and have competed in falconry, flyball, tracking, and hunt tests.

Hungarian Vizslas are talkers: they will whine, moan, or make other noises to let you know their opinion on everything that's going on. Some can become recreational barkers if this bad habit isn't controlled early on.
Being a retrieving dog, the Vizsla is mouthy and likes to chew. Provide him with a variety of chew toys and rotate them regularly so he doesn't get bored and decide to gnaw on your shoes or other expensive items.

TRAINING & EXERCISE


Said to be highly trainable, the Hungarian Vizsla does not respond well to harsh scolding or aggression and owners have found that attention and reward-based training work best. His keen senses and protective instinct make him an excellent watchdog.

The Hungarian Vizsla is still used as a versatile gundog - excelling in field, forest or water situations. He can cope with difficult terrain as well as extreme weather conditions.
Because of his adaptability he is also easily kept as a companion dog in the house.

This dog needs LOTS of exercise, with some owners saying 5-10km every day is vital. This is not a breed for the infirm unless a regular dog walker is employed! With daily walks the backyard size becomes less relevant. Most will enjoy a suburban backyard in which to snuffle around but it must be well-fenced.


HEALTH


In Australia, Hip Dysplasia - a degenerative disease of the hips - cases in Hungarian Vizslas have been reported though the incidence has been low. If you're buying your puppy from a reputable breeder, please ensure the parents have been x-rayed and have good hips before buying their pups.

The average lifespan is 12-14 years.


GROOMING


This smooth, shorthaired coat is easy to keep in peak condition. Brush with a firm bristle brush, and dry shampoo occasionally. Bathe with mild soap only when necessary. The nails should be kept trimmed.


HOUSEPET POTENTIAL


Hungarian Vizslas love being indoors and, due to their thin coats, feel the cold in winter. Most quickly learn to be neat and quiet, although puppies can be a danger to your fragile ornaments!


RECOMMENDED FOR


Hungarian Vizslas are best suited to very active, responsible people with a commitment to a long daily walk. They are probably too boisterous for toddlers and pre-schoolers, although families with school-age children should be fine. They are not a dog to be left alone in the backyard and must have a family willing to include their pet in their home life.
Hungarian Vizslas are sometimes bought without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering.

For more information on the breed or to re-home a Hungarian Vizsla, please visit:

Hungarian Viszla Club of NSW
Hungarian Viszla Club of VIC
Hungarian Viszla Club of WA

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

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The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is often called a "sporting toy breed" because of his combination of spaniel and toy traits. It originated in the United Kingdom, where it is still one of the most popular breeds. 

Born to be a companion, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is sweet-tempered, playful, and gentle.

One of the largest of the toy breeds, he's often as athletic as a true sporting breed and enjoys hiking, running on the beach, and dog sports such as agility and flyball. The more restful members of the breed find happiness sitting on a lap or getting a belly rub.

HISTORY 

While the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a relatively new breed, recreated less than a century ago. His prototype is the toy spaniel that has existed for centuries as a companion to royalty and nobility.

Cavaliers are descended from the same toy spaniels depicted in many 16th, 17th, and 18th century paintings by famous artists such as Van Dyck and Gainsborough. The spaniels in those paintings had flat heads, high-set ears, and longish noses. 

King Charles II and his Cavaliers (Ward)
These little spaniels were favourites of royal and noble families in England. Mary, Queen of Scots had a toy spaniel who accompanied her as she walked to her beheading, and her grandson, Charles I, and great-grandson, Charles II — who gave their name to the breed — loved the little dogs as well. It's said that King Charles II, who reigned from 1660 to 1685, never went anywhere without at least two or three of these little spaniels. He even decreed that the spaniels should be allowed in any public place, including the Houses of Parliament. 

After Charles II's death, the King Charles Spaniels' popularity waned, and Pugs and other short-faced breeds became the new royal favourites. The King Charles Spaniels were bred with these dogs and eventually developed many of their features, such as the shorter nose.

There was one stronghold of the original King Charles Spaniels at Blenheim Palace, the country estate of the Dukes of Marlborough. Here, a strain of red and white Toy Spaniels continued to be bred, which is why Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with this coloration are called Blenheim today. 

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Blenheim

Since there was no standard for the breed and no dog shows yet, the type and size of the toy spaniels bred varied. In the mid-19th century, however, English breeders started holding dog shows and trying to refine different dog breeds. By that time, the toy spaniel was accepted as having a flat face, undershot jaw, domed skull and large, round, front-facing eyes. The King Charles Spaniels depicted in paintings from earlier centuries were almost extinct.

APPEARANCE

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Tri-colour

With a sweet rounded face, big brown eyes and soft floppy ears the Cavalier is the ultimate “cute” dog. 

There are four colours, Blenheim (chestnut and white), Tri-colour (black, white and tan), black and tan, and ruby (solid red).

  • Weight: 5.9 – 8.2 kg (Male or Female) 
  • Height: 31 – 33 cm (Male or Female)


For the full breed standard visit the ANKC website

TEMPERAMENT 

Cavaliers are affectionate and compliant, tolerant of children and come highly recommended by many vets. 

This comfort-loving breed adores cuddling in laps but he also has more athletic instincts than you might think. Indeed, he can be a runner and chaser. A fenced backyard or a leash are musts at all times, because many Cavaliers have an instinct to chase most things that move including low-flying birds or even butterflies, vehicles on busy streets etc. and so most Cavaliers will never become "street-wise". 
Because the breed is so people-oriented, Cavaliers become stressed when left alone too long and are best suited to a home where someone is around. A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who is lonely will whine or bark or chew destructively. 

Most Cavaliers are polite with everyone and peaceful with other dogs and cats. As they tend to regard all strangers as friends, members of the breed will usually not make good guard dogs.

Cavaliers do need a decent amount of exercise - a couple of long daily walks and a fenced yard in which to run.

HEALTH & LIFESPAN

Responsible breeders are screening parents to eliminate known genetic problems such as luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps), eye defects and congenital heart problems.

Cavaliers can often suffer from, most notably Mitral Valve Disease, which leads to heart failure. It is both a congenital disease and is inherited in certain lines of Cavaliers.

Syringomyelia (SM) is reported to be "very widespread" in the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed. Syringomyelia is a disorder of the brain and spinal cord, which may cause severe head and neck pain and possible paralysis.

The average lifespan of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is between 9 and 14 years.

GROOMING 


The Cavalier needs bathing and a good brush for 15-20 minutes each week. 

When coming out of winter hair may be shed onto furnishings. 

The drop ears should be wiped clean and checked regularly to avoid infections. 


RECOMMENDED FOR

The Cavalier makes an ideal housepet, being small, quiet and unobtrusive. They are said to be easily house-trained and do not need a big backyard. A regular walk, however, is recommended.

Cavaliers appeal to older people and young families alike  -especially those with children unfamiliar with dogs. Puppies may be injured if left unsupervised with children under three years.

For more information on the breed or to re-home a Cavalier, please visit

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of NSW
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of QLD
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of SA
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club of TAS

Doberman Pinscher

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Doberman Pinschers are incredibly noble, intelligent, loyal and athletic dogs. Dobermans, also called "Dobes" or "Dobies" are fearless, loyal and highly intelligent. These traits have made them ideal police, war and guard dogs, but they are also outstanding companions.

HISTORY

Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann (on the left)
The Doberman Pinscher emerged as a breed in Germany around the turn of the 20th century. A tax collector named Louis Dobermann, for whom the breed was named, developed the breed out of the desire for a medium-sized companion and guard dog. 

It is believed that the Doberman originates from breeds such as the Rottweiler, Black and Tan Terrier, German Pinscher and possibly the Greyhound.

The Doberman Pinscher has been treasured for its great intelligence, loyalty and athletic abilities. Over the years, the bred has diligently worked as a war dog and police dog, but has also remained a faithful companion to many.


APPEARANCE


The Doberman Pinscher is a medium to large, deep-chested dog breed with a sleek and sturdy appearance. The breed is muscular and athletic, possessing great strength and endurance.

Dobermans have traditionally had their tails docked (removed) soon after birth and, later, their ears cropped (trimmed surgically in order to make them stand erect). Much controversy has surrounded the practice of ear cropping and tail docking in dogs and Australia has thankfully outlawed both practices. 
Yet, 95% of images we found on the Internet proudly depict Dobermans that have been "mutilated" so clearly there's a long way to go before this is no longer considered a desirable look by owners especially in the show ring.

Dobermans come in four colours, black, brown, blue and fawn all with rust tan markings (sometimes small patches of white are seen).

Weight: Males 40-45kg; Females 32-65kg

Height: Males 68-72cm; Females 63-68cm

For the full breed standard, please visit the ANKC website.


TEMPERAMENT


The Doberman Pinscher is known to be energetic, watchful, fearless and obedient.

Although they are considered to be working dogs, Doberman Pinschers are often stereotyped as being ferocious and aggressive. As a personal protection dog, the Doberman was originally bred for these traits: it had to be large and intimidating, fearless, and willing to defend its owner, but sufficiently obedient and restrained to only do so on command. These traits served the dog well in its role as a personal defense dog, police dog, or war dog, but were not ideally adapted to a companionship role. 

The Doberman Pinscher's aggression has been toned down by modern breeders over the years, and today's Dobermans are known for a much more even and good natured temperament, extreme loyalty, high intelligence, and great trainability. 
For instance, Psychologist Stanley Coren ranks the Doberman as the 5th most intelligent dog in the category of obedience command training, based on the selective surveys he performed (as documented in his book The Intelligence of Dogs).

HEALTH & LIFESPAN

One of the most negative characteristics of the Doberman is their short life span rarely living past 10 years. This can sometimes make them unsuitable for those who find losing a pet extremely traumatic.

There are several genetic problems currently being worked out of the breed by the Doberman Club of Qld. These problems can be clearly identified at an early age through the clubs mandatory health testing requirements and detection means that dogs are eliminated from breeding programs before they are bred.

1. Von Willebrands factor – a form of haemophilia that can be detected by a DNA test
2. Hip Dysplasia – this can lay dormant in some dogs and X-rays must be presented and cleared
3. Eye problems – Ectopic and Entopic problems must not be detected by a animal opthamologist

Although the National Doberman Council has standard temperament tests, the Qld club makes these tests compulsory for their members. The tests are conducted by the club to weed out shy and nervous dogs who do not respond well to unfamiliar stimuli. Any aggression, shyness, or “stand offishness” is seen as incorrect behaviour for a companion breed. Dogs who fail the temperament tests may be deemed unsuitable for breeding.

The following Doberman problems are not clearly detectable until symptoms present themselves, at which stage the dog is struck from the breeding register.

4. “Wobblers” – a skeletal problem in which vertebrae fuse, the symptoms mimic hip dysplasia
5. Hypothyroidism – thinning of the hair along the flanks and sluggish personality
6. Diluted Alopecia – a recessive gene occurs in colour variations of blue and fawn and causes hair to fall out permanently7. Heart Problems – recommended to have regularly heart checks and ultrasounds and an ECG once every two years.

GROOMING


The Doberman has a short, smooth hair coat that requires very little grooming.

TRAINING & EXERCISE


Most Dobermans have a moderate energy level and require routine exercise to stay healthy. Because of their natural athleticism, a few brisk walks or runs every day will help keep a Doberman in tip-top shape.

RECOMMENDED FOR


Although this breed is low maintenance in terms of grooming they are not low maintenance in regards to lifestyle. They are very active dogs that need attention and interaction with owners as well as exercise. These dogs are smart and need to be occupied. Only people who like active boisterous dogs should consider Dobermans. They are not suitable for first time dog owners and small children may not mix well with adult dogs.

However, the breed is usually quite gentle and not aggressive by nature. That being said, proper training is absolutely essential for this breed to ensure good behaviour. Well trained Dobermans often do very well with children and in various social situations - they can also make great therapy dogs.

For more information on this breed or to re-home a Dobermann, please visit

The Dobermann Club of NSW
The Dobermann Club of Victoria
The Dobermann Club of WA Inc.
Dobermann Club of Queensland Inc.

French Bulldog or Frenchie

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Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. A mischievous goof ball, the Frenchie needs an owner who is consistent, firm and patient.

HISTORY OF THE FRENCH BULLDOG

There are many conflicting references as to the origin of the French Bulldog. Some breeders claim the origin can be traced to Britain during the advent of the industrial revolution. The theory is that as mechanisation spread, the lacemakers of Nottingham, some of whom had been breeding toy or miniature bulldogs, were pushed out of their jobs. Many left England for Brittany and France where their skills were in demand. They took with them some of these small bulldogs, many of which had bat (upright) ears.

French Bulldog (Australia) brindle - Photo credit: Karen McAndrew
This new style of dog appealed to the French and demand increased so much that breeders began breeding up the ‘French style’ to supply the demand in Paris. The breed became popular in England in the 1900’s and then in America as Americans in Paris fell in love with them and took them home. Breeders say the French Bulldog has been in Australia since the late 1940’s and was developed from imported English bloodlines.

APPEARANCE

French Bulldogs are a small, stocky dog with a roach (arched) back and compact appearance.

The face of the ‘Frenchie’ is flattened although said to be less so than the British Bulldog. The biggest difference between the British Bulldog and the French Bulldog is the Frenchie’s bat ears which stand stiffly upright with the edges curved slightly forward. They are held erect by cartilage which begins to stiffen at 10 days of age. A short undocked tail is another essential feature of the breed.

Colours include brindle, fawn, and pied (mostly white).

Height: 30cm

Weight: Males 12.5kg; Females 11kg

For the full breed standard, please visit the ANKC website.

TEMPERAMENT

Owners say the French Bulldog is intelligent, vivacious, deeply affectionate and clownish. They are said to be very reliable with children and good watchdogs. Most breeders say they are not yappy dogs and will usually only bark for good reason. This robust little dog will stand its ground if confronted by unfamiliar people.

HEALTH & LIFESPAN


Not all Frenchies will get any or all of these diseases, but it's important to be aware of them if you're considering this breed.

Among those to watch out for is a weakness in the back which can be aggravated by the dog jumping down from furniture, particularly when young. Other potential problems with the breed include luxating patellas (dislocating knee joints) which gives the dog a bowlegged appearance.

Some lines suffer from elongated soft palate (extension of the roof of the mouth) problems with signs of respiratory distress, very noisy breathing, decreased exercise tolerance and heavy snoring, all common symptoms. Treatment of affected dogs usually involves removing part of the soft palate, allowing a freer passage of air into the lungs.

French Bulldogs are very susceptible to overheating and must have shelter and fresh water available at all times. They can experience serious breathing difficulties in hot weather.

There is a great variation in the reported lifespan of French Bulldogs but the average lifespan of a French Bulldog is 12 to 16 years if they are well looked after.

GROOMING

Breeders report that minimal grooming is required. Although the coat rarely sheds, a soft brush or mitten brush will remove loose hairs when moulting.

dog-breed-french-bulldog-puppies

HOUSEPET POTENTIAL

French Bulldogs have been bred as a house/lap dog. They are said to make good house pets, being compact in size, having a quiet demeanour and shedding only small amounts of hair.

TRAINING & EXERCISE

French Bulldogs can live happily in a flat with minimal exercise. A daily walk is, however, good to maintain the dog’s fitness. A fenced suburban backyard is ideal. As their short nose and flat face make them more prone to heat stress, French Bulldogs should not be exercised in the heat of the day. This breed can’t swim because of its physique, so care must be taken around swimming pools.

French Bulldogs can be described as being only fair in terms of their working and obedience ability.

RECOMMENDED FOR

French Bulldogs thrive on human companionship and are not a breed that can be left alone in the backyard. Ideal for retirees, apartment dwellers, families and singles who have time to devote to a dog.

  • Temperament: fun loving, affectionate
  • Lifespan: 12-16 years
  • Maintenance: low
  • Recommended for: apartment living and families

For more information on the breed, please visit the following: 
  
French Bulldog Club of NSW
French Bulldog Club of Victoria
French Bulldog Club of QLD

If you'd like to rehome a Frenchie, please contact:

French Bulldog Rescue


Trivia: did you know that Hollywood star Hugh Jackman owns a French Bulldog, named Dali?

German Shepherd

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The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is known for his loyalty, trustworthiness, intelligence and affinity for people. These qualities have helped make the German Shepherd Dog one of the most popular breeds of companion dog throughout the world.

HISTORY


As the name suggests, the German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany where it evolved from herding dogs that were used to tend and protect sheep.

The German Shepherd is a relatively new breed, dating back to 1899, and he owes his existence to one man: Captain Max von Stephanitz, a career captain in the German cavalry with a goal of creating a German breed that would be unmatched as a herding dog.
The dogs were recognised as being excellent guard and attack dogs and were used by the police and the military. Consequently, there were 48,000 Shepherds enlisted in the German army during the First World War. After the First World War English owners changed the name to Alsatian because nobody wanted to be associated with anything German. However, now with the war long over, the breed has changed back to its original name and the German Shepherd Dog has become one of the world’s most widely recognised breeds.

German Shepherds first arrived in Australia between 1923 and 1929 but then the government imposed import bans which were not lifted until 1972 because the dogs were believed to be dangerous.

APPEARANCE

The true colour of a German Shepherd is not known until the puppy coat is shed and the full adult coat has grown. However the German Shepherd Dog’s coat is generally a mixture of black, fawn and gold. 

Pure black German Shepherds are also available, but white is considered undesirable in show ring dogs. 

Weight: Males 30-40 kg; Females 22 – 32 kg

Height: Males 60-65 cm; Females 55 – 60 cm

For the full breed standard, visit the ANKC website.

TEMPERAMENT


German Shepherd Dogs have suffered an image problem which was in part deserved. Many years ago there were significant problems in the breed with temperament. Today however, as a result of the work done by the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia, the temperament of these dogs is excellent.

The German Shepherd personality is aloof but not usually aggressive. He's a reserved dog; he doesn't make friends immediately, but once he does, he's extremely loyal. With his family he's easy-going and approachable, but when threatened he can be strong and protective, making him an excellent watchdog.

German Shepherds bred by breeders, members of German Shepherd Clubs affiliated with the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia, are loyal, loving and intelligent dogs who are willing to do anything for the people they love to the point of giving their own lives. Although the dogs are good with children, they should not be left alone with small children because both dogs and puppies can be boisterous.
German Shepherds are used in police work, including tracking and searching for guns and drugs. They are excellent at obedience work, make good companions, guide dogs and guard dogs. The dogs can also be involved in schutzhund, a sport where dogs attack on command.

HEALTH 


German Shepherd Dogs can be prone to health problems including hip and elbow dysplasia. 

In Australia, the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia introduced and controls a number of Breed Improvement Schemes that are designed to reduce the incidence of diseases with a possible genetic link, by selecting for breeding only those animals which pass stringent selection tests.

The A-stamp Certificate system was designed to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia, a crippling disease of the hind legs. A similar certificate system (Z-stamp) exists for elbow dysplasia. People buying puppies should ensure they view both A and Z certificates to ensure parents have been breed surveyed.

The pups are breed surveyed through the local German Shepherd Clubs and the paperwork is issued by the Council.

German Shepherds can also suffer from a variety of skin allergies - such as dermatitis or Hot Spots - which can be caused by flea bites, food allergies or allergens.

HOUSEPET POTENTIAL




German Shepherds isn't the breed for you if you're away from home frequently or for long periods of time. When left alone they can become anxious or bored, and are likely to express their worry in ways you don't like: barking, chewing or digging.

German Shepherds can be aloof and suspicious of strangers. To raise a social and well-behaved dog, expose your puppy to many experiences, places, and people. 


Obedience training, starting with puppy classes, is essential for getting him used to other people and dogs, as well as teaching him basic canine manners.

GROOMING


The German Shepherd needs little grooming, however, during the seasonal change from winter to summer it is often necessary to strip out the dead, woolly coat. This should be done as quickly as possible with a rubber brush specifically designed for the job.


TRAINABILITY


German Shepherds are reliable, intelligent and responsive to training. They need obedience training early in life, particularly those that are boisterous, strong minded and dominating. Well socialised German Shepherd Dogs are easier to introduce to new people and situations and make a more stable companion.