German Shepherds, while best known as one of the favorite choices for many professional tasks such as police, guide, and search and rescue dogs, are an equally fantastic choice for a family pet. However, have you ever heard that before the German Shepherd rose to stardom, they were commonly referred to as the “Alsatian Wolf Dog” in Britain after World War I because of the anti-German sentiment? A quick turn around time, don’t you think?
Now that we’ve laid out a fun trivia, let’s dig a little deeper into whether or not German Shepherds are high maintenance dogs.
At a glance, every dog breed requires a certain level of commitment and love to sustain themselves. However, German Shepherds, with their highly intelligent and energetic nature, might need a slightly dedicated hand. Let’s explore further.
Firstly, German Shepherds are at their happiest when they’re busy. Of course, snoozing on the couch for most of the day might seem like an appealing idea, but for a German Shepherd: “No way, Jose!”. It’s as if they have the motto – ‘An active life is a happy life,’ written in their dog-ly constitution.
Just picture this – A large and full of life dog awaiting your order to fetch, jump or run, wagging its tail in delight. Brimming up with energy, German Shepherds need at least an hour of exercise daily. Whether it’s a brisk walk in the park, a training session, or even a friendly game of fetch, your furry friend is always ready. But remember, a bored German Shepherd can turn into a destructive one. So, these dogs can become high maintenance if they are not given enough physical and mental stimulation.
Secondly, German Shepherds have a double coat that is close and dense, which sheds throughout the year, and trust me when I say- profusely during the shedding season. Weekly brushing can help control this shedding, and during the shedding season, brushing needs to be daily. The need for regular grooming is one of the main reasons they can be considered as high maintenance dogs.
Although they don’t need frequent baths, they usually need nail trimming every month unless their nails naturally wear down. Early and frequent grooming during their puppy phase will make them comfortable with the entire process when they grow up.
Thirdly, German Shepherds have a tendency for developing health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia, which are unfortunately common in larger breeds. Make sure they have regular vet checkups, and it’s also a good idea to get health insurance for your furry pal to prevent any huge whirlpool of vet bills down the line.
However, before you start reconsidering about adopting a German Shepherd, let me tell you that one area they are low maintenance is their diet. They aren’t particularly fussy eaters and can thrive on good quality commercial dog food. But hey, who would resist some fruits, vegetables, or homemade meals occasionally, right?
German Shepherds are known for their intelligence and eager-to-please attitude. They are highly trainable, which reduces maintenance when it comes to behavior. However, training should start at an early age to avoid any behavioral issues later.
So, would a German Shepherd be the right fit for you? That boils down to your personal lifestyle.
If you are an active person or a family, who can dedicate time to their exercise needs and don’t mind a bit of hair in the house, a German Shepherd could be a perfect match. You’ll get an intelligent, loyal, and highly trainable companion. However, if you lead a busy lifestyle and don’t have the time to exercise or groom them properly, they could seem high maintenance to you.
Adopting a pet is making an emotional commitment, but it is a practical one too. It’s essential to understand whether you can provide the environment it needs. Dogs are pack animals. They need to be around their family and thrive on companionship. So, make sure, be it German Shepherd or any other breed, that you can meet the breed-specific needs.
In the end, remember – Training the dog doesn’t demand as much time as you expect it would, but having a pet and not training it… Oh well, that truly demands as much time as you fear it would.
Either way, a pet in your life will always add a little ruffle, a bit of bark, and tons of love. So, why wait? Dive in!
P.S. Furballs of joy coated in love and loyalty await you.
