German shepherds can either be very short, short, medium, or long-haired. Regardless of their coat length, they are loving, workaholic, and loyal dogs.
A German shepherd is said to be Short haired GSD due to his coat length compared to other GSDs. The short-haired gene is dominant while the long-haired gene is not dominant. The most common German shepherds have a medium coat length. The AKC does not favor short-haired GSDs as they term a standard breed as the one with a medium coat length, but they are accepted in show rings. Very short-haired German shepherds are termed as a fault.
In this article, we will dive deeper into everything you need to know about the short-haired GSDs i.e. their origin, physical appearance, temperament, exercise, health issues, lifespan, and trainability.
Contents
Breed history
German shepherds were first bred in the 1900th to help in herding. To date, they are used as military dogs and watchdogs. Their loyalty and hard work have made them popular all over the world. They are still used as military dogs and in search and rescue missions. They are ranked the second most popular dogs in America.
Physical appearance
What distinguishes short haired German Shepherds most from other GSDs is their short coat length. They have the normal German shepherd’s colors. Though it is not physical, they have an undercoat that helps them to withstand harsh climates.
They weigh 50-90 lbs. and they have a length of 22-26 inches in length.
Temperaments
They are workaholics compared to the long-haired GSDs. They are eager to content their master, making them loyal. They are ever serious, though they make good family dogs. Their aloof nature makes it hard for them to quickly accept strangers. They are friendly with other pets but they must be trained on socialization.
Exercise
They should be exercised for not less than two hours to keep them healthy. They were bred to be working dogs, if they don’t get enough exercise, they will use their energy in excessive barking or chewing. If you do not have enough time to exercise him you can use dog walking services or you can buy another dog so they can be playing together. But that does not imply you won’t exercise them at all!
Trainability
One of the reasons why German shepherds are most preferred is because of their trainability. The secret to training them easily is by using positive reinforcement. Be prepared with lots of healthy dog treats to appreciate them whenever they learn a new command. Punishing them for not following commands will make them reluctant to obey orders.
Related: Basic dog commands for German Shepherds
Dietary Needs
They are active and will demand a lot of food, they also have a healthy appetite. Food rich in proteins and omega-3 fatty acids should also be supplemented with fruits and vegetables.
They are prone to food allergies, always give them a small amount of the food you want to introduce and wait for some hours for any allergic reaction. Some allergies take longer to show signs like diarrhea or itchy skin. Always discuss with your vet before introducing a new diet.
Grooming
Short haired GSDs shed throughout the year so they require regular brushing. Use a quality comb to ensure that your house is free from dog hairs. They are bathed occasionally as regular bathing strips the natural fats on their skin making them vulnerable to skin diseases.
You should also clean their ears with eardrops and canine toothpaste for their teeth. You can take them to a qualified groomer.
Space
They require a big space for exercise and play, they are also big. They are not suitable for apartments.
Cost
You can buy a German shepherd from a certified breeder. The price varies from one breeder to the other it ranges from $500-$1500. It’s advisable to buy from a reputable breeder so that your pet can be screened for diseases such as degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia.
If the above price is way too high for you, you can buy one from rescue homes or shelters. The prices are from $50-$500.
Be prepared for extra costs like insurance, medical bills, food, dog supplies among others.
Lifespan
They can live for an average of 10-13years. Due to the unscrupulous breeding practices, they are prone to many diseases which lower their lifespan. They are disadvantaged by their large size, smaller dogs tend to have a smaller lifespan
Recap
The coat length determines whether a German shepherd is long, short, or medium-haired GSD. They are not hypoallergenic, they shed a lot throughout the year. If you need a workaholic friend with a heart of gold, German shepherds will have you covered.