Common traits of shepherd breeds: Is this the dog for you?

The most common shepherd breeds that we see in the kennels are German shepherds and Dutch shepherds, but there are many more including the Anatolian shepherd, Australian shepherd and miniature American shepherd.  

Each shepherd dog will have their own personality, but here are some common traits that you might expect when rehoming a shepherd!  

Common shepherd behaviour traits  

As the name suggests, shepherd breeds were bred to help guard and care for livestock. They’re generally known for being loyal, intelligent, obedient, and alert.  

Shepherds have a natural protective streak, and they can be very vocal because of it. This can sometimes be mistaken for aggression when it’s more likely to be a sign of frustration. 

Nowadays, these traits make them great working dogs, and they’re often used by the police, search and rescue teams, and other security services.  

Exercise 

German shepherds, Dutch shepherds and most other shepherds are high energy dogs who need a lot of exercise.  

They’ll need daily walks and plenty of chances to play and sniff around. Like collies, they can be known to chase moving objects like traffic or bikes if their needs aren’t met.  

All in all, shepherds make great pets for active families! 

Training 

It probably comes as no surprise that shepherd dogs generally thrive in training and love the challenge of learning new skills.  

Shepherds are very clever dogs who may enjoy a wide range of training activities. From obedience training to agility or scent work, why not try a few different styles of games to see what your dog likes best? 

Health  

When rehoming a dog, the rescue centre will explain any specific health issues that your dog may have. 

Common health issues which could occur in shepherd breeds include elbow or hip dysplasia. This is a painful condition where the hip or elbow joint hasn’t developed properly, causing it to occasionally slip out of place.  

Dogs suffering from elbow or hip dysplasia may have to take regular pain medication, and severe cases could require surgery to treat.  

German Shepherds can be prone to stomach issues and may have specific dietary requirements.  

Grooming  

The amount of grooming your shepherd dog will need depends on the length of their coat. Dogs with short coats will only need brushed occasionally, but longer coats will require more regular brushing, especially during shedding phases.  

With any dog, it’s important to keep an eye on their teeth and nails and establish a regular nail-trimming and tooth-brushing routine.  

Thinking of rehoming a shepherd?  

Is a shepherd dog right for you? Meet our lovely pups!