What is your favorite type of dog?
Some of us prefer small lap dogs while others love huge dogs like mastiffs. Still, others, enjoy the sweet and loving family Labrador. And some, prefer a mixed breed.
But, there is one breed of dog that is universally recognized for its loyalty and intelligence, and which is extremely popular with breeders as well as pet owners.
They simply stand out from the “pack” for a variety of reasons. This particular breed is the German Shepherd.
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About German Shepherds Loyalty
German Shepherds are hard to ignore.
Their commanding presence and stunning, dark features make them among the most handsome creatures that you will ever see.
They also happen to be one of the smartest, most loyal and fascinating domesticated animals in the world.
They are ranked in the top 3rd of intelligence dogs. Now, that’s something!
Every day, humans put their lives in the hands of this amazing breed. They are trusted by the police, the military, and the blind as seeing-eye dogs.
That trust is not unfounded, either. Over centuries, these amazing canines have proven themselves time and time again as “man’s best friend.”
But, why?
What makes them so special, and different?
The truth is, they are not that much different from a child. They will become what their owners mold them to be.
Origin and History
In the mid-19th century, people in Europe began to attempt to standardize dog breeds. One such citizen was particularly interested in finding the perfect working dog. The man was named Max von Stephanitz, and he had been a Calvary captain.
When Stephanitz came upon what he considered to be a perfect specimen of a working dog, he purchased it and registered it as, you guessed it, the very first German Shepherd.
The breed first became popular in the U.S. toward the end of the First World War.
Soldiers returning from battle spoke highly of the breed that had helped them in battle. They have become wildly popular and then declined since then, only to become popular again, over the years.
The German Shepherd is strong and shows very well. They are athletic and agile, smart and loyal – ideal competition dogs who will do what their owner needs them to do in the heat of the moment.
This is how they have managed to work their way into the hearts of so many people over the years.
Roles as a Working Dog
It seems that German Shepherds are born ready to serve the public, work hard, and help their owners.
They are some of the most easily trained dogs that you will ever meet. Their goal is always to make their “pack leader” happy and they will go to great lengths to make sure that happens.
It is an unfortunate reality that some people believe German Shepherds to be aggressive or violent animals. The truth is, they are highly intelligent and incredibly strong.
This can be a problematic combination if it is not used for good.
When these dogs are given purpose, work and, of course, rewards, they are not a threat. They are fine around children and other animals and they are incredibly loving, when they are given the proper guidance.
When it comes to working roles, the German Shepherd is one popular canine. The following are some of the most common jobs they are used for:
- Law Enforcement: They work sniffing out scents for law enforcement. Working with police, they do search and rescue, detect bombs, find dead bodies, and much more. They are focused animals with incredibly keen senses of smell. It’s as if they were built for work (and they kind of were). There could be no better animal for such work.
- Formal Guide for the Visually Impaired: Formal guide dog training for the visually impaired began in Switzerland in the early part of the 20th century. At that time, all of the animals trained were female German Shepherds. However, it was later determined that Labradors were better suited to that type of work. While German Shepherds are loyal and smart, they can also be aggressive and “lose their cool.” Labradors are a bit more emotionally stable. However, German Shepherds are still used for this work today. They and retrievers are actually now the two most popular breeds to be trained as seeing-eye dogs.
- Sheep Herders: You may be wondering how German Shepherds behave with other animals. It is implied by their name that they care for sheep, at least sometimes… and they do. German Shepherds are also known to be very protective of small farm animals, etc. and they may consider to be a part of the “pack.” While this was much more common in past centuries, they are still used for sheep herding. When on shepherd duty they are expected to keep sheep from leaving a specified area, preventing escape as well as the sheep damaging crops.
Traits and Personality
The breed has been ranked third for intelligence, with Border Collies and Poodles beating them out, but not by much.
In tests, they have been shown to have the capacity to learn simple tasks after only five attempts at practice. They also obey almost 100 % of the time.
So, what does that have to do with their loyalty?
It’s all a learning experience and the better that a dog can learn, the easier it is to train them. German Shepherds must learn to be loyal, just as any animal must be trained to behave in specific ways.
However, they are highly intelligent and always eager to please their owners or “bosses.” Because of that, they learn quickly and easily follow the instructions of the humans in their lives.
Their curiosity makes them the perfect breed to be a guard dog and their obedience and intelligence allow that inquisitive nature to translate into a hard-working and deeply loyal canine companion.
The Aggressive Side of German Shepherds
However, German Shepherds are powerful animals and it is essential that they are trained appropriately. When they are trained, they are very safe and are not considered to be aggressive. However, an untrained German Shepherd can present a threat.
They will be particularly wary around strangers and may growl or even attack when they feel that their home is being intruded upon.
A dog’s loyalty to their owners is a beautiful thing, but it must be harnessed and the dog must be taught how to channel that protectiveness in a healthy way.
What can you do?
Well, first of all, you need to get the advice and help of professionals if you feel that you are unable to train your dog on your own. Aside from that, start small and understand that these things take time.
Training Tips
They must be exercised as they are active, large animals with strong and athletic builds. Walking a German Shepherd daily is a simple way to keep it healthy and happy.
This one of the first things that your dog should be trained to do. Teach him or her to walk beside you, not to pull, etc.
It is also an important chance for them to come in contact with new people and learn the appropriate response when meeting strangers.
This type of socialization, under your supervision, is essential to the development of your dog’s emotional stability.
In addition, it is essential that you understand that, just as with humans, trust is earned. Once the dog trusts you, he/she will become incredibly obedient and loyal.
But, you can’t expect that overnight. You also have to be aware of your role in their emotional development. Just as with a child, they are learning all about the world and they are looking to you for cues, and to show them the way.
These are not the types of dogs who can be left alone for hours on end in a small apartment or that will sleep in the sun all day. They will require that you make time for them and that you are interested in nurturing their development.
The Truth About Germans Shepherds Loyalty
German Shepherds are not born any more loyal than any other breed.
Their temperament simply makes them the type of breed that are likely to become very loyal with proper guidance. As with all relationships, you will get what you put into this new friendship.
Mutual respect and admiration are essential but humans must take a strong leadership role early and allow the dog to feel safe in the presence of those whom they learn to trust. This type of relationship will create a dog who is very emotionally stable, loyal and happy.
The most important thing to understand about German Shepherds loyalty is that they are a product of their environment and their training.
If they are not properly cared for and nurtured, they can become very problematic, destructive and even aggressive and dangerous.
But, when they are treated with love and kindness as well as given discipline and a sense of purpose they flourish and grow into some of the most wonderful dogs that you will ever meet.
If you are considering bringing one into your home be sure that you are ready for the responsibility and you will be able to reap the rewards of this unique and wonderful breed.
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Last Updated on February 5, 2021 by Shepped Team
thank you that is a very good artical
I have a one yr old German shepherd dog ,but she is very aggressive with visitors to the house or children and people around our house..she is alright with our girls and us but if someone comes over we have to cage her which we do not like to do ..but we do not want her to bite or snap at anyone. What can we do..?
Not true that they have to be trained to be aggressive or guard – my 13 week old puppy was already barking at strangers walking up behind me, and “guarding” her terrace from “intruders” on the first day I got her (had no training previously as was from a shelter). It’s obviously genetic. If anything they need to be trained NOT to guard. Annoying because I REALLY don’t like guardy dogs… AT ALL. I nearly took her back to the shelter when I saw what her temperament was like but she was so loving and so INSTANTLY attached to me (was glued to me and following me everywhere from the moment I got her home – I guess this is what they mean by loyal?) that I just couldn’t do it. Now I have this guardy territorial little miss (although very loving with family) that needs constant socialization, counter conditioning and desensitization to be able to function normally in a city (where she has to walk past hundreds of strangers every day without reacting). I don’t believe this is a good breed for urban environments for the most part (unless you get a dog from a breeder who breeds for temperament above everything else) and I had a border collie before this lil thing – he was eminently more tolerant of strangers and children and coped with the city far better than my shepherd is doing :/
Teaching your dog to be around others slowly, even a walk in parks around people and other dogs. Aggressive dogs need discipline and the person the dog listens to needs to spend more 1 on 1 time with commands. Your in command….speak firm as fair, getting their attention and focus on you. Then do the same with each family member so they have the same control with the pet. Play catch with your dog! They love to run after a ball….bring it back and sit on command at your side. Teach the disciplines by spending time together and work aside you. Such a happy pet that they have healthy fur that gets soft and sheen with a good diet.