10 Secrets ONLY German Shepherd Owners know!

German Shepherd owners know the special bond they share with this incredible breed. They consistently rank in the top 10 most popular dogs.
In fact, German Shepherds have been the second most popular dog in the United States for decades. There are many reasons for this. They are strong, intelligent, loyal, and courageous.

But none of these things are secrets!

Here’s a few secrets only they know.

1. German Shepherds are incredibly smart

Yep!

 And as a German Shepherd owner I know you will often question whether your dog is actually smarter than you are.

German Shepherds are widely known for their intelligence. You will often be surprised what they can actually do and how quickly they adopt new behavior and learn new tasks.
They regularly dominate obedience competitions.

Because they are so smart they require constant mental stimulation and brain challenging games.

2. German Shepherds explore everything using their noses.

Dogs have millions more scent receptors and therefore a much better sense of smell than humans. (up to 100,000 times better in fact)

German Shepherds, compared to other breeds, rank near the top for scenting, or sniffing, ability.

It’s no surprise then that German Shepherds make great police and detection dogs. They are also used extensively for search and rescue, tracking and bomb and drug detection work.

A German Shepherds nose is very powerful!

3. German Shepherds are super active.

Their owners are fit!

They have to be!

Feel like lounging around the house? I don’t think so!
They want to walk, run, go to the park or do some sort of activity.

None of this ‘sitting around’. We want some exercise! And if we don’t get it … watch out!

German Shepherd owners know if you want your dog to be happy and well balanced, they need to be exercised.

And as a major benefit … so will their owners!

4. German Shepherd Dogs are protective of their loved ones.

These beautiful dogs are perfectly suited for protective tasks like guardian or watchdog.
As an owner, it is very reassuring to know they are naturally protective.
They are self-confident and fearless and can be suspicious of strangers but are not hostile.
Constant challenges like training and socializing are great for their physical and mental growth.

This keeps them mentally exercised and ensures they are comfortable around other dogs and people.

5. German Shepherds provide constant companionship.

German Shepherd are one of the most loyal breeds around.

They are constantly by their owners side. It can take time to gain a German Shepherd’s trust, but once you do, they are very gentle and loving animals.

Their affectionate and dedicated nature means they are great around children. Your German Shepherd would much rather spend time with you than be left alone.

German Shepherds are, no doubt, at their best when with you as much as possible.

6. German Shepherd Owners know their dogs shed.

Yep, for a German Shepherd owner, hair is a way of life! (for those lucky enough to have some)

You’ll find it everywhere.

 On the floor, on the furniture, and on every piece of clothing you own!
It is widely known that a healthy German Shepherd has a double coat of medium hair and an outer coat of dense hair.

That’s a lot of fur!

As well as constantly shedding their outer layer, they lose their undercoat twice a year, in Spring and Fall.

All German Shepherd owners know, regular brushing helps control the shedding, but a lot of loose hair is a major part of having a German Shepherd as a friend!

7. Shepherds are known as a mouthy breed.

This trait stems from their heritage as a herding breed.
Even their name reflects this, ShepHERD.

Mouthing behavior is fairly normal for dogs, but in particular for German Shepherds.

They will chew anything which fits into their mouth.
This may be cute when they are small but can become a problem as they grow into adulthood.

German Shepherd owners know training your dog not to chew your hand or furniture is an essential part of ensuring they mature into well balanced, happy and safe pets.

8. German Shepherds are members of the Herding Group.

German Shepherds have a herding instinct.

They will nudge your leg, your back and even gently nose you in the face. It’s the trait which is associated with herding activity.
You will often see them walking in front of you, while looking back, to see if you are walking in the right direction.

This is natural behavior for intelligent, independent thinking herding animals.

And we love them for it!

9. German Shepherd Dogs are known for their versatility.

German Shepherds were developed as working dogs.

They can do anything.

Just ask them!

Their skills range from the extremely important duty of guide dog and therapy work to sports related skills like rally and agility.
Add their nose to this and they are brilliant at scent work in airports or investigative areas.
They are just great for any task which requires intelligence and hard work.

Their only limitation is the amount of energy and commitment heir owners have!

10. German Shepherd Owners know they are loving companions.

They are just the best!

German Shepherds are very social animals and love spending time with humans. The more time they get to spend with you, the happier they are.
Although they may be reserved around strangers at first, once they accept new people their love is even more special.

They are fiercely loyal and truly dedicated and will protect their owner and loved ones with their life.

It doesn’t get much better than being a German Shepherd owner and friend!