There is an opinion that it is not worth getting a large dog in a city apartment. Partly the way it is. Pets of impressive size need room. However, there are universal breeds that will feel equally comfortable both in the private sector and in a city apartment. These include the German Shepherd.
Breed features
The German Shepherd is a proud and loyal animal. This breed is characterized as official. These dogs are truly universal. German shepherds are used to work in the police and army. Dogs are known for their sporting achievements. Beautiful and stately dogs are excellent companions and guards.
The ancestors of the "Germans" lived in Western Europe several thousand years ago. They were shepherd dogs and helped protect cattle from the attack of wild animals.
As for the name, according to historical information in the XVI century Germany became the center of breeding of this breed. German shepherds appeared in Russia in 1904 and were immediately sent to the service. In wartime, they acted as sanitary dogs, and also acted as “bloodhounds”, helping the police.
Today, representatives of this breed are beautiful and hardy dogs that perfectly protect the home and faithfully serve the owner. The characteristic features of the German Shepherd include:
- strong, muscular body;
- wedge-shaped head (muzzle elongated);
- expressive, almond-shaped eyes;
- ears are triangular in shape;
- long, powerful limbs;
- dense stiff fur with thick undercoat.
Boys are larger than females. The growth of the German Shepherd varies from 55 to 60 cm at the withers.The colors of the "Germans" are diverse: black, black, black and black with a tan. There are individuals with fur red, golden and gray. Large pets have a universal character and are suitable for living in a city apartment.
Advantages and disadvantages
Naturally, the German Shepherd needs space. Living in a cramped home will bring her discomfort. If the breeder has a spacious apartment, then there will be much less problems. The advantages of the German shepherd, located in the "urban conditions" include the following nuances.
- The Germans are great guards. Property and values of owners will be under reliable protection.
- The shepherd gets along well with small households and acts as a “nanny”.
- The pet is quite unpretentious in the care and is easy to train.
- The animal loves outdoor games and can frolic with the owner for hours.
However, cons also exist. For example, during molting, animal hair will be everywhere. German shepherds also require long walks where they splash out energy. Walking with the animal is necessary 2-3 times a day. "Germans" cannot be left alone for long.
The psyche of a dog that has been left without a breeder for a long time can be shaken. In addition, the education of dogs must be engaged in a "tender" age. Otherwise, the pet’s aggression will be directed against the household. Training the "Germans" should be given 4-5 hours a day. Not all breeders have so much free time.
Adaptation
Keeping a large, playful dog in the apartment is not an easy task. Nevertheless, many problems can be avoided with a competent approach to raising a puppy. From the first days of the baby’s appearance in the house, the breeder needs to choose a convenient and comfortable place for him. The pet must remember his corner and rest there as necessary. He must be bright and secluded. Sometimes a dog needs to be alone and gain strength after outdoor games. An excellent solution will be the construction of an enclosure for a puppy. As the pet grows older, the "walls" can be removed.
The bed for the German Shepherd should be made of natural materials. A mattress is suitable, the pillowcases of which are easily removed and sent to the wash. "Germans" love to study various subjects and try "by the tooth." Therefore, the pet will need a whole arsenal of toys and special bones. Shoes from the puppy are best removed away. He will undoubtedly show keen interest in her.
At first, the baby will miss his mother and whine. The owner must be patient and gentle. You can caress the puppy and offer him a new toy. However, the future defender should not be squeezed excessively. A spoiled pet will bring a lot of trouble to its breeder.
Males have an independent character and tend to dominate. With proper training, many problems can be avoided. Another weakness of the "Germans" is sex drive. Males, sensing a female, can fall into an inadequate state and be aggressive towards others. Girls have a soft and flexible disposition. They are easier to train and train teams.
Content
Caring for a German Shepherd puppy in the apartment should be thorough and regular. They feed the babies 5-6 times a day, for an adult dog it is enough to eat twice a day. “Germans” are perfectly suited for industrial feed of a premium class and “natural”. In order for the animal's hair to be shiny and thick, and strong teeth, vitamin complexes are included in the pet's diet.
The dog is combed out using a special comb once every two weeks. During molting, the procedure is carried out more often. Removing wool residues is best outdoors, for example, while walking. After the street, the animal's paws are wiped with a damp cloth. Wash the dog as it gets dirty (3-4 times a year). For German Shepherds, special shampoos, including dry ones, are great. Puppies are taught to bath procedures from 3-4 months.
Do not forget about the hygiene of teeth and auricles. The ears are cleaned with cotton buds dipped in a special solution. The teeth of a German shepherd are looked after 2-3 times a month. For these purposes, pastes or powders that can be purchased at any pet store are suitable. To remove tartar and plaque, fluoride seeds are perfect.
Another indicator of the health of the shepherd is its claws. They must be shiny and strong. In case of their fragility and stratification of the pet, it is necessary to show the specialist.
In case of their fragility and stratification of the pet, it is necessary to show the specialist.
Shears claws at home with a clipper.
Walking
German shepherds are quite temperamental animals, so they want to constantly move. The puppy is taken for walks after he has been vaccinated. The first walk lasts about 10 minutes, then its duration increases. The pastime of the "Germans" in the fresh air is from two to four hours a day. An adult pet is taken for a walk on a leash and in a muzzle.
German shepherds are not inclined to show aggression to other animals, although their behavior towards unfamiliar cats is unpredictable. As guards, pets do not favor strangers on their own territory, so guests should be careful. Excessive attention of strangers to the "Germans" is undesirable.
Residents of urban apartments should cope on the street. It is advisable to breed the puppy immediately after sleeping and eating. German shepherds are smart and intelligent animals, so they quickly get used to the toilet on the street.
For more information about keeping German shepherds in the apartment, see the next video.
