Characteristics and care of the black German Shepherd

El black german shepherd It has only a few differences compared to what we could call a common German dog and on many occasions it can be confused with some kind of mixture between breeds or also as another completely different breed.

The black German sheepdog as he is also known, looks pretty uniform, an excellent training capacity and a very pleasant temperament that makes it a great companion both for the family and at work, since they work very well as police dogs or as support dogs for people with disabilities.

Characteristics of the black German shepherd

The black German shepherd is a charming animal, with a very tender look and an exceptional character. Yes indeed, it is a dog that cannot lead a sedentary life, because otherwise it would not be strange for him to have behaviors that you would not like; for example, a bored black sheepdog might bark for no reason, or smash things just to try to burn off energy.

To know him better, we are going to tell you what its physical characteristics are:

Appearance

Generally, the black German shepherd is known to show the typical appearance of the breed. They are slightly larger than common German Shepherds and their fur can be both long and short.

Genetics

There may be a chance that if the German Shepherd is not completely black he may still have the gene and have Black German Shepherd puppies, however this does not happen with their relatives, the White German Shepherd or the Swiss Shepherd.

What is your personality?

Like its closest relatives, the black sheepdog is an animal that is not usually aggressive. Sometimes you can present suspicious situations with people you do not know, however and once you get used to it it is quite friendly. When they are with a family they are very docile animals and easy to deal with.

Even though black German Shepherds they are excellent watchdogsThey also require a lot of care and at the same time dedication on the part of their owners and also of all the members of the family. This is one of the reasons why black sheepdogs are great candidates to work as support dogs for people with disabilities.

Black German Shepherd temperament

Due to the strong appearance that a black sheepdog has, many people can be easily scared, if we put it to the test we will notice that every time we go out for a walk with our dog, people usually cross the street to stay as far away as they can, but as owners of a dog it is necessary that we be aware of the temperament that our pet has.

However, the reality is different, black German Shepherds are animals that they have quite a friendly temperament and at the same time very stable. Black sheepdogs are very loyal animals that are always alert to anything that may happen and show all their confidence watching over and protecting their family.

Caring for a black German shepherd

Food

What is there to feed the black German shepherd? As long as it is a puppy, you should give it a specific feed for young dogs, since their protein needs will be much higher than once they reach adulthood. But after a year or so, you should look for a food for adult dogs.

Yes, We recommend choosing brands that make their products without cereals. In this way you will ensure that it grows at a good pace, and with health.

Outdoor activity

The German Shepherd is a dog that always is related to physical labor and it is for this reason that this breed needs to exercise frequently. It is an animal that stands out very well in sports activities, such as the schutzhund, which is a sport created to keep each of the skills of this breed active, it is also one of the best alternatives to help you stay healthy.

The walks are very important whether in the field, the beach or the mountains and are recommended especially if they have a space where you can run as much as you want. As we said, it is not a dog that can be at home throughout the day and night, but must go out to exercise its legs and interact with others.

Socialization

The early socialization of a black sheepdog is very important, since in this way they will quickly get used to different types of people, places, sounds and smells and at the same time will teach you how to behave in any situationIt is a behavior that you will maintain for the rest of your life. Therefore, you have to start early, when he is two months old.

Little by little and gradually, try to get him to interact with other dogs, and even with cats if you intend to adopt a feline. The latter is really very important, because the black German shepherd is considerably larger and stronger than the cat, so socialization is essential for dog and feline to get along from the beginning.

Hygiene

The most recommended age to give your first bath is at 3 months of life. To do this, you must use only soaps that are neutral, suitable for dogs. The frequency will be monthly, since if you bathe more often the layer of fat that protects your skin will be lost.

Also, you have to brush their fur every day so that in this way we can remove dead hair. In the shedding season, which coincides with spring, you may notice that their hair falls out much more than in winter. This is logical, since the animal changes the coat that protects it from the cold for one that will allow it to better cope with the summer heat. Therefore, if you do not want it to end up leaving its 'fingerprints' on the furniture, you will have to brush it more often.

How is the health of the black German shepherd?

It is not bad, but it is necessary go to the vet at least once a year for a general review. Also, you have to take into account that you have a certain predisposition to suffer some diseases, such as these:

• Dermatitis: it is a type of skin allergy caused by parasites or poor hygiene.
• Glaucoma: it is the increase in pressure in the eye as a result of an accumulation of fluid inside. More information.
• Hip dysplasia: it is the inflammation in the part located between the hip bone and the femur bone. More information.
• Elbow dysplasia: it is the inflammation of the elbow joint.
• Keratitis: it is the inflammation of the cornea of ​​the eye.

For this reason, it is extremely necessary to take him to the professional as soon as you notice that he is not well. And, in addition, you have to take into account that the vaccines that are mandatory in your country, and the microchip, must be given.

We hope that what you have read about the Black German Shepherd has been useful to you. If you decide to get one, it is more than likely that sooner rather than later you will become very good friends.