How to Identify a German Shepherd

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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(3 Ratings)

The original purpose for the German Shepherd was to herd sheep and cattle. These dogs are dedicated and determined workers. Shepherd's are a very versatile breed and have numerous jobs. Many receive training as seeing-eye dogs, guard dogs, search and rescue, police work and others. They are famous in movies and television. A well-known dog to all of us is the famous Rin-Tin-Tin.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Appearance

Step 1

Look at the ears, face and coat color. German Shepherds have erect ears, sloped back and long back scissor-like muzzle. Shepherds are recognizable in a variety of colors. The most common color pattern is the black and tan saddle color. The other colors are white, red, sable and blue.
Step 2

Consider the size. The height of the male German Shepherd standing is 24 to 26 inches. The female is slightly smaller, standing 22 to 24 inches.
Step 3

Weigh the dog. The weight of the German Shepherd is about 77 to 85 pounds.

Temperment

Step 1

Learn about the dog. Some are used as sniffing dogs in police investigations for detecting bombs, cadaver, narcotics, mines, accelerates and explosives.
Step 2

Make certain that the dog is not hostile. Shepherds are typically loyal and dedicated. Shepherd's are a great family dog, and love children.
Step 3

Make sure the dog is not tired. Shepherds are energetic, vigorous or laid-back. Shepherd's are curious, beautiful and have great strength to almost any task. They protect the ones they love.

Watch Movies and Television

Step 1

Look at Rin-Tin-Tin shows. Rin-Tin-Tin is Hollywood's top stars during the 20's and 30's. He received as many as 10,000 fan mail daily.
Step 2

Find live-action popular television series starring, the Littlest Hobo,a German Shepherd. This series aired in 1980's.
Step 3

Look for Koton, which is a German Shepherd, stared as Jerry Lee. He was a police dog, in a 1989 movie, K-9.

Comments

thewhisperer said

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on 6/6/2009 For an ACCURATE article regarding coat colors and patterns of the GSD, see http://www.geocities.com/sahiela2/colors.htmlAs for "sloped back" the German and American breed standards both call for a "level backed dog". GSDs are characteristically loyal, very intelligent, highly intelligent, and willing to please the owner. Body proportions are slightly longer than tall. PDF of breed standard-http://gslgsdc1.netfirms.com/pdf/AKC Standard.pdf

MacDonald said

on 12/5/2008 Jeez, this is not at all accurate and so many typos and misspellings coming from a "pets editor." This article doesn't even make sense.

Zedpoint said

on 1/2/2008 the link in the resources for the first "dog breed facts" is incorrect. It should lead to http://www.dog-breed-facts.com/Breeds/german-shephard.html instead.