Oklahoma, United States
heathercherry
I got my first pet when I was two years old. He was a goldfish named Wyatt Earp. Since then, I have developed a life-long love of animals. I have been involved with dog rescue for six years and I am currently owned by two adopted pit bulls. I heavily advocate for and educate others about this brilliant breed with such an undeserved reputation.
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![](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://rightpet.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/1082013_223249461DogBreed_image.jpg&media=https://rightpet.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/1082013_223249461DogBreed_image.jpg&description=I have several close friends who have German Shepherd Dogs and they are all wonderful. They are great dogs around their young children and adults as well. One family I know gets their GSD's from a specialized breeder in Germany and they train them for Schutzhund. They are courageous, incredibly intelligent, and so easy to train, which makes them ideal for K9 work, drug and bomb detection, search and rescue, service dog work, and military operations. They are the consummate Working Dog, fearless and filled with energy and a will to please, direct and at all times confident.<br><br>German Shepherd Dogs have a double coat that is harsh or wiry, not soft, to the touch. The most common coloring is tan with a black saddle, however, GSD's also come in host of other colors and combinations, including black and cream, gray, sable, blue, liver, and black. Less common are plush and long coats. These dogs are heavy and constant shedders who also blow their coats seasonally. Daily brushing is a must, but infrequent bathing is important in preserving the health of the skin and coat. The ears are naturally erect, popping up during puppyhood and are never cropped.<br><br>Hip and elbow dysplasia runs rampant in this breed. Other health issues can include epilepsy, hemophilia, bloat, splenic tumors, Von Willebrand's Disease, allergies, and digestive problems.<br><br>German Shepherd Dogs make fabulous family pets and as a result, are among the most popular dogs in America. They do best when given a "job" to do, even if it's flyball, herding, disc, agility, or other fun activities.){kind=link}
![](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://rightpet.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/1082013_2050473931DogBreed_image.jpg&media=https://rightpet.com/Thumbnail/BreedReviewsPhotos/1082013_2050473931DogBreed_image.jpg&description=I grew up around Doberman Pinschers. Both of my grandpas had them, as well as a couple of cousins. They were always very gentle around us kids, loyal, and protective. Dobermans are neither vicious nor shy by nature. They are ever-watchful, determined, and energetic.<br><br>Highly trainable, obedient, fast, and alert, Dobermans are a natural choice for police work, schutzhund, guarding, and military use. Though often thought of as the stereotypical guard dog or "junkyard dog", Dobes don't excel in a chained, yard dog, or otherwise isolated situation. They naturally want to be with their people and thrive as family house dogs. Their very short coats also make it dangerous for them to be exposed to too much cold weather. Their natural bent towards guarding means that no training as a "guard dog" is necessary.<br><br>Dobermans are medium sized at around 60-90 pounds and are muscular and powerful. Their short, sleek coats come in black, fawn, red, and blue and require minimal grooming. Black and Tan/Rust are commonly seen, and it should be noted that "blue" is really just a dilution of the black coloring. Lithe and athletic, they will need regular exercise. The classic Doberman you may be used to seeing has sharply pointed, cropped ears and a docked tail. However, many owners choose to leave the ears and tail natural, rendering them almost unrecognizable as Dobermans to many people.<br><br>Watch for these health issues: hip dysplasia, wobblers, bloat, heart defects, Von Willebrand's, various prostate diseases, and hypothyroidism.<br><br>Keep these dogs close to you as part of your family, and they will reward you by keeping you close to their hearts and displaying undying loyalty.){kind=link}
 will generally cost more.<br><br>A friend of mine breeds these gentle giants and they are simply delightful. And personally, I can't think of many things as satisfying as grabbing huge handfuls of those floppy jowls and just squishing away. Like a giant stress ball!){kind=link}