Miniature German Shepherd Dog

You must have heard about miniature German shepherd dogs. But are they purebred dogs? Are they friendly? Let us find the answers to all these queries here.The German shepherd dog (GSD) or the Alsatian is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world. As the name suggests, this breed of dog originated in Germany. When we hear the word 'German shepherd', we picture a strong and huge dog which is well-known as the guard dog. Smaller or miniature German shepherd dogs are comparatively unknown. You may be wondering if miniature German shepherd dogs exist at all. Let us, once and for all, clear this confusion through the following section.

All About Miniature German Shepherds

When we hear people mentioning the miniature Alsatian or the German shepherd, they are actually referring to the breed of dog that is similar to the actual German shepherd in its temperament and physical appearance, but is smaller in size. Miniature German shepherd dogs are so small that they can be considered as lapdogs. Many dog breeders also claim that this is one of the rarest breeds of dog and hence, they are priced higher. However, the first thing you need to take into consideration is that, no such breed called miniature German shepherd actually exists. It means, although you may find smaller German shepherd dogs, it is not a recognized breed of dog.

You should note that a German shepherd is 22-26 inches tall (males are 24-26 inches, while females are 22-24 inches). They are muscular, strong and heavy. They have a brown, tan or black-colored coat and brown eyes. They have a thick fur and a bushy tail. It is essential to note that a pure breed Alsatian is never short or miniature, unless it is either crossbred or suffering from dwarfism.

Crossbreeds
The German shepherds are often mated with the same variety to maintain their pure breed. However, there are times when breeders cross German shepherd dogs with other smaller breeds of dogs like border collies, fox terriers, poodles, etc. This results in having smaller breeds of German shepherds, which are popularly known as the miniature GSD or miniature Alsatian. As mentioned above, this is an unregistered breed of dog, and definitely not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Cross breeding between dogs is often looked down upon by those looking for pure breed varieties. Therefore, sometimes, the mini GSD is also tagged as a false breed of dog. So, if you are looking for a pure breed of the Alsatian, you should look for the original breed of dog, which is larger in size.

Dwarfism
Now, on the other hand, it may be a possibility that the miniature German shepherd, which you have seen is not a new breed, but actually a dwarf German shepherd. Dwarfism is a genetic disorder which leads to a short stature. This disorder is found in humans as well as dogs. If the German shepherd is suffering from this disorder, it may remain small in size and will not grow to its usual height. These dogs are usually sterile and suffer from severe hair loss at an early age. Pituitary dwarfism in GSD is quite rare and is accompanied with a series of other medical conditions. If dwarf GSD male and female are mated, they have dwarf puppies. It may be possible that this technique is used to breed dogs, which are known as miniature German shepherds.

Therefore, as there are two different possibilities, it is essential for the buyer to look for proper and thorough information about the dog breed before buying. Breeding a dwarf GSD is not an easy job as these dogs suffer from several medical conditions. On the other hand, you can go for a crossbred miniature German shepherd dog, if you do not mind having a crossbred pet.

Having all the information about a miniature German shepherd is essential before buying one. The mini GSD can be a good pet dog because of its good temperament; however, it is essential for buyers to not to be fooled by breeders who claim these miniatures as rare and hence, heavily priced.

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The Value of German Shepherd Obedience Training

German Shepherds are extremely trainable, and they can be faithful. They have an aptitude for learning. It doesn't require to much training to make your puppy learn the necessary instructions. Your dog will become a really great companion if he is well-taught. The training should start as soon as your get your new dog. It can be a proud moment for you when you finally take your puppy outside to meet with neighbors after you've trained him well. These dogs are among the very best of the best when it comes to breed traits. They are agile and responsive, as well as brave. German Shepherds can be educated to high standards, and for military work. They learn quickly and are very loyal to their owner.

Start Training Early

Your puppy needs to learn the essentials very early. Train your young puppy from its first few days with you to accept being left alone. This also applies when you're too busy to play. Your puppy must be well behaved even if you are not around. Crate training and house training can go hand in hand.

The Bare Essentials

The crucial commands include sit, lie, stay and come. The well-being and safety of your puppy depends on how you can teach him to sit, come, lie and stay. You can start enjoying a happy relationship with your pet as soon as you teach him these essentials. With a German Shepherd, you do not have to spend too much time on fundamentals. This breed is naturally used to obeying orders. Make these four commands the first your dog learns to help him become accustomed to training and learning to behave properly.

Heel Training

Because of the size of this breed, German Shepherds can be unapproachable. A mild-mannered German Shepherd heeling is the perfect advertisement for such a good breed. Some young puppies react well to a lead initially. The ones that do not will learn quickly with practice.

Teaching at Home

Even though dogs love being outside, your pet is likely to spend much of its life with you in your home. As a part of German Shepherd obedience training, make sure that your pet understands necessary house rules, and provide it with its own private space and bed. Give your pet lots of time and attention, but only on your terms.

Outside the Home

When your German Shepherd plays outdoors, make sure it is well trained. Your pet must not cause nuisance among the neighbors and their pets. Make sure that he can be safely left unsupervised before you leave him outside alone.

Exercise and Play

This breed needs plenty of physical exercise. It is important to stimulate him physically and mentally. Activities that take advantage of the breed's wits and superb trainability are ideal. Playing fetch and taking walks and jogs with your dog are ideal.

Control your Dog

Your dog might have a temper that is demanding to manage. Some dogs are overly curious and aggressive. Continue fundamental training until your dog is prepared for more sophisticated work like protection instruction. Once he responds to the basic commands you can start the more complex training.

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The German Shepherd Temperament

Many people who are interested in protector companion dogs look to the German shepherd as a reliable and trustworthy breed. Temperament may or may not be a product of inheritance and breeding, but the shepherd's temperament is definitely a result of the type of treatment and training that he or she receives in all stages of development and growth.

It is important to get a shepherd when it is a puppy, so that the loving attention and special treatment that he is given as a new member of the family can and will create a German shepherd with a great temperament. Quality food, gentle yet firm training techniques and lots of loving patience are key elements for good results. When a German shepherd falls in love with his family members, the shepherd will be a devoted companion and good protector.

It is important for the family to first decide who the shepherd's master will be. A choice of father, mother or older child is fine, but it is important for the family to decide who is in charge, or the dog may decide that he or she is number one, which represents the 'leader of the pack' in the world of the original dog, the wolf. Protector dogs are pre-disposed to the idea of a 'pecking' order. They tend to pick up on the order of dominance in the family very early on.

The shepherd's 'best' is everything will be seen when the required daily exercise is provided. German shepherds need to run frequently and intensely. A degree of play involving an adult and the children is important for bonding to occur and for the shepherd to feel included. Allowing any pet special toys that can be chewed on, snuggled with and possibly torn up ensures necessary nurturing for any animal. Everyone needs something to call his own.

Respecting the shepherd's rights and boundaries is a component of 'who' the dog will become. Acceptance of him and his role in life is critical for the shepherd's own sense of self-respect. Neutering a shepherd is important and will create a gentler animal.

Healthy food is vital for growth, yet giving the shepherd the variety of foods that he loves and really enjoys shows how much his master and family care for him. If at all possible, he master needs to do the feeding. It is important that pets sleep inside the house with their family as well. Tying a dog outside and leaving him is a cruel and sure way to create negative changes in his or her temperament.

It is vital to encourage friendliness with trusted people. The concept of protection comes naturally to a German shepherd and if all is well within the family structure, he will never let his owner or his family down. Shepherds will always 'go to the mat' for both.

Passionate about the German Shepherd breed. Dedicated to helping people learn more about the breed as well as offering some training tips.

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