According to American Kennel Club (AKC) spokesperson Lisa Peterson, owning big dogs has been on the rise during the past five years. To illustrate her point, the AKC recently released their list of the 10 most popular dog breeds for 2013, 7 of which were large breeds. For the 23rd year in a row, the Labrador Retriever has taken the No. 1 spot. But another large breed made it to the list of top contenders as well; the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) ranked No. 2.
GSD’s are most famous for roles in police departments and in the military. However, they also make great family pets. Even though this breed originated in Germany, they have come to represent the “All American” dog. They have appeared in many movies and T.V. shows, increasing their popularity. The breed has been called approachable, direct and fearless, and a loving family companion. Like any breed however, they are more suited for certain family situations over others.
The German Shepherd Dog is energetic and fun-loving, and very fond of children once a relationship is established. GSD’s make a loyal family pet, and a good guard dog. They are highly intelligent and trainable, which is why they are seen as working dogs so often. Many GSD owners will even tell you that because of their intelligence and beauty, having a pet German Shepherd is a bit of a status symbol in the world of pet owning.
It is important to remember when considering adopting or purchasing a GSD, that in order to stay happy and well-adjusted, they need plenty of exercise and activity. Also, if a German Shepherd is not socialized property and trained adequately, they could misdirect their protective instincts, leading to a dog bite liability claim. German Shepherds will do their absolute best to please their owners, but it’s important to practice concentrated and consistent training in order for them to know what’s expected of them, and what is not accepted behavior.
As a dog owner, it’s important to remember that no matter what breed you own, and no matter their size, all dogs have the potential to bite. Dog bites can occur if a dog is startled, is fearful, is in pain, or even an accidental bite when going after a toy or food. At the Federation of Insured Dog Owners (F.I.D.O.), we offer the Covered Canine Policy, which is a form of Dog Bite Liability Insurance that protects you financially should your dog bite an individual and cause harm
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