The German Shepherd dog (GSD) is one of the most loved breeds in the world today and it’s worth noting that they rank number 2 out of 196 on the American Kernel Club’s Breed Popularity. They are regarded as smart, courageous, and confident dogs that offer protection and companionship to their owners, family, as well as their estate. The concern for many however is – are German Shepherds dangerous?
Definitely one of the strongest dogs you can find, a GSD never backs down from a challenge and is known to be willing to lay down its life for its owner and his family. They are predominant members of the police k-9 unit and many are known to have saved their families from foes and predators. GSDs are definitely good dogs to have around at all times, but sometimes things go wrong and they may become a threat to their owners. Let’s explain this in detail.
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Are German Shepherds Dangerous?
There is no one answer fits all resolution/description to this question, but rather, it is just a matter of perception and/or individual experiences. For instance, if you were to ask a criminal being chased down by a K-9 dog officer – which would most probably be a German Shepherd dog if they are a dangerous dog breed, then the answer would most likely be a yes. On the other hand, for the owner of a well-trained, socialized, and balanced GSD, the same question, are German Shepherds dangerous would definitely get a No for an answer.
The truth is that how any dog turns out, as either a loving companion or an aggressive brut, depends largely on the owner of the dog and the circumstances surrounding the upbringing of the dog. This theory is based on the assumption that the dog was raised by the owners from puppyhood.
German Shepherds are very intelligent dog breeds with an athletic build, powerful jaws, and are classified in the medium to large dog breed category. Also notable is the fact that if they are not raised the right way they can pose very dangerous risks, not only to other dogs, animals, and strangers but also to their owner and their family as well.
How Aggressive Is The German Shepherd Dog?
GSDs are mostly large dog breeds and are known to pack a punch, or in this case, a powerful bite. They are quite capable of taking down a full-grown man on their own – sometimes pinning down their target until help arrives, and that is the main reason why they find work in police departments, military formations, and other agencies.
They are very fearless, intelligent, and athletic dogs. If they have not been brought up in a “conducive” atmosphere or are bored or starved of physical and emotional exercise and stimulation, they will channel their energies towards destructive tendencies and aggression. Again, are German Shepherds dangerous? The truth is, no one likes an unruly and aggressive German Shepherd dog.
Are German Shepherd Dog Owners Safe From Its Attack?
This would most probably be a Yes and No answer.
Yes, if your dog is well-trained and socialized very early in life, and if you have also been able to imbibe acceptable behavior and set boundaries for your dog. If you have not been able to do all that is listed earlier and then some, you are definitely not safe from an attack by your very own dog.
German Shepherd Dogs And Families With Little Kids
If you have lived up to your responsibilities to your dog from a very tender age – obedience training, socialization, exercise, mental stimulation, nutrition, and health, then you most likely have nothing to fear with having your dog around your family which includes your little kids. But, if you have failed in meeting all or most of your responsibilities to your dog, then you may have reasons to keep your dog away from your little ones.
A neglected and unsocialized dog will definitely be aggressive towards the owner and their young kids and might bite, nip, or scratch them – if not something worse.
Read Also: When Exactly Does The German Shepherd Dog Stop Growing?
5 Reasons Why The German Shepherd Dog Is Not The Best Option For You
German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world today, but that doesn’t mean they are for everyone. Here are some reasons why they may not be the ideal dog for you and your family:
- You don’t have enough time
If you live a very busy life where you do not have enough time for yourself any given day or if you live alone and travel a lot, then a GSD may not be the best dog for you as they are the type of dogs that craves and thrives on a close bond with their owners. If you will not be present in a GSD’s life, then it is not the dog for you.
- You hate or are allergic to dog shedding
GSDs shed a lot and they are known to have periods where they shed more than normal during the year. So, the chances that you will have the dog’s hair all over your home are very high – most especially if you are one not given to attending to their grooming requirements on a constant basis. If you are allergic to or hate seeing dog hair all over your property and possession, then this dog breed is not for you.
- Their health challenges
All dogs have their peculiar health challenges – especially the large breeds, the GSD is no exception. Health challenges such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, bloating, etc, could come with heavy medical bills or plague your dog to the point where you may have to humanely euthanize it.
- You live a sedentary life
GSDs require a lot of exercise and attention in order to satisfy their mental and physical well-being, so if you are the type of owner who cannot provide the level of exercise required by your dog – by going on walks twice daily, hiking, jogging, and so on, then this is not the dog breed for you.
- They have a relatively short lifespan
GSDs typically have a lifespan that stretches between 7 to 10 years and if you have developed a very close bond with your dog over the years you had it, it is very difficult for some people to “let go” at the end.