German Shepherds Photos - Description
German Shepherds have a strong and agile medium sized body. They are 24-26 inches high at the withers (dogs) and 22-24 inches (bitches). The build is substantially muscled, and the general appearance reveals a balanced and proportionate structure. The body is longer than is tall, the desirable height/length proportion being 10/8.5.
The body is solid, firm and not bulky. Chest is deep and roomy, providing enough space for lungs. Shoulder blades are long and even. Forelegs are muscular and straight, the pasterns site a 25-degree angle position from the vertical. Feet are small and toes well arched.
Ribs are springy and deep, not barrel-shaped. Neither are they too thin. That provides for free and unrestrained movement of legs when trotting. Elbows should not cling too close to the ribcage nor should they project too far to the sides.
Head is noble and well chiseled. Seen from above, the muzzle thins smoothly out toward the nose in a distinctive wedge-like pattern. Jaws are strong and movable. Teeth close in a scissors bite. Proper dentition presupposes the presence of 42 teeth, 20 upper and 22 lower. Eyes are almond-shaped and oblique. Ears are medium sized, and held upright except when running or in a calm state. In the erect position, they are straight, the inner sides turning to the front.
Hindquarters are also muscular and powerful enough to deliver substantial push to the rest of the body. That is particularly important when it comes to climbing steep slopes or transcending uneven or rocky surfaces. Viewed from behind, hind legs are straight and parallel, and well muscled.
The topline goes smoothly from elongated neck over to a straight back, which ends in a long and slightly curved tail. The tail is long and bushy and it should reach the hocks.
The topline, the back, the powerful drive of the hindquarters and the coordinated action of front and hind legs are factors that provide for German Shepherds' effortless ground covering gait, which is of paramount importance at conformation shows.
German Shepherds have double coats. The undercoat is gray, and it should not be visible under the outer coat. The coat is long on the neck and rear sides of legs. Coat can be solid black, black-and-red, black-and-tan, black-and-gray and black-and-yellow. White color is a disqualifying fault. There always must be a considerable proportion of black.
German Shepherds Photos - Temperament
German Shepherds are brave and protective. They have a wonderful ability to adapt to new conditions and faithfully accept adversities of life and face all possible hazards side by side with their owners. They are very trainable and obedient.
Natural protectiveness frequently shows in hostility toward other dogs and strangers. However, it is highly possible for a stranger to make friends with a German Shepherd. A person should remember that German Shepherds have a good way of distinguishing between trustworthy and mean people.
