The German shepherd dog (GSD) or Alsatian is consistently in the American Kennel Club’s annual top ten most popular dog breed list. In 2009 and 2010, GSDs were the second most popular dog breed in America. Vice President Joe Biden even bought a GSD puppy in 2008. But thousands of German shepherds are abandoned or surrendered to shelters each year. Why?
Impulse Buy
German shepherd puppies are incredibly cute. They have floppy ears, wrinkled faces and chubby bellies. In the popular media, German shepherds like Rin Tin Tin make them appear to be perfect dogs that read your mind and solve crimes. The popular myth and the appeal of puppies often results in an impulse purchase. When the cute puppy phase wears off, the puppy is surrendered to a shelter or abandoned by the side of a highway.
People often buy GSD puppies without realizing what they are getting themselves in for. They do not realize the time involved to properly train and care for a large, strong dog. These are not dogs for the first time dog owner, although German shepherd mixes can make good first time pets for people committed to learning about dogs. But unfortunately, not many people want to learn about dogs.
Exercise Needs
GSDs were originally bred to herd and protect livestock and then they became the dog breed of choice for the armed forces. These are large dogs that can often tip the scales at 90 pounds. They also have an abundance of energy that needs to be channeled, otherwise the GSD will be like a hyperactive two year child and get into mischief, including destructive chewing, digging and escaping.
It is vital that GSDs are given ample exercise, which includes about an hour walk per day. This helps burn off excess energy, keeps the dog fit and helps the dog to concentrate on training sessions or commands, according to the Austin German Shepherd Dog Rescue. The GSD also needs room to romp every day and playtime with its human family. Many people refuse to alter their lifestyle in order to accommodate the dog and so get rid of the dog.
Health Problems
Unfortunately, German shepherds are prone to many health problems due to indiscriminate breeding practices. These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Von Willebrand’s disease (a bleeding disorder); bloat; intractable diarrhea and blindness. Many people refuse to spend money on veterinary bills and so abandon the dog to its fate.
The most infamous abandonment story happened to a female unsprayed GSD in England. The dog suffered chronic bladder infections which made it incontinent. The owner drove up to surrender the dog – in a brand new sports car. His complaint was that it was too expensive to take the dog to a vet.
Sources:
“ASPCA Complete Guide to Dogs.” Sheldon L. Gerstenfeld, VMD. Chronicle Books; 1999.
Austin German Shepherd Rescue. “Before You Adopt.”
Petfinder. “German Shepherds: Popular Dog Breeds: Before You Adopt.”