The German Shepherd dog breed is among the most popular and favorite breeds in the world.
In fact, it is ranked in 2nd place for popularity by the AKC, following America’s favorite dog breed – the Labrador Retriever.
This comes as no surprise given the fact that German Shepherds are considered one of the most intelligent, noble, and hardworking dogs of all.
If you are considering adding a dog of this breed to your family, you will be happy to know that German Shepherd puppies are not only amazingly cuddly and cute, but they also have some features which will make your life much more fun once you get your new dog.
Please, consider checking your local shelters and rescue groups for any German Shepherd puppies or dogs in need of a forever home before going ahead to buy one from a breeder!
Here are some things you should be prepared for when you get a German Shepherd puppy:
German Shepherd puppies are very protective of their humans
German Shepherds are among the top preferred working and service dogs in the US and around the world. This is due to their natural eagerness to serve a purpose and to please their humans.
Your German Shepherd puppy will do everything possible to please you and protect you and your family from day one.
This is why you should prepare for a lot of training, interactive games, and for the early socialization of your puppy.
It will need a purpose, so you might want to consider engaging in obedience, agility, and other training and games. At the same time, it is naturally suspicious of strangers, so you should spend the time socializing the puppy by meeting it with other dogs and people from an early age.
They do shed quite a lot
German Shepherds do shed a lot throughout the year, especially during the shedding seasons. This is why you should prepare yourself for some cleaning and dealing with dog hair in your home, clothes, and everywhere.
Plus, you will need to spend the time and effort brushing your dog in order to prevent or at least minimize the heavy shedding on your floors and furniture.
Get ready to stay active with your dog
German Shepherd puppies and adult dogs are pups with a need for a lot of physical exercise and stimulation.
Young or untrained puppies may show some herding tendencies like nipping.
Overall, you can expect to have to spend a lot of time walking, playing with, and training your German Shepherd puppy if you want it to grow and develop happy and healthy.
This is why this breed is recommended for people who are already leading active lifestyles and who don’t mind going out and staying active no matter the weather.
They are also sweet and won’t mind snuggling
Despite being members of a powerful and active, hardworking dog breed, German Shepherd puppies will enjoy snuggling and cuddling with you, your children, and other pets, given that they are socialized properly from an early age.
Further Reading: Black Mouth Cur: A Breed That Loves Hard Work
They will develop a very strong bond with their dog parent
Being among the noblest and most loyal dogs, as well as among the smartest ones, your German Shepherd puppy will most probably follow you around everywhere and will want to spend as much time with you as possible.
You better be prepared to have the puppy come with you to the bathroom and be by your side, no matter what you happen to be doing.