The German Shepherd Dog

The German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is a large, active, intelligent dog. Originally developed for herding, the GSD has become an all-purpose working dog, often used in search and rescue operations, as police dogs, and as loving companion dogs.

While the intelligence makes the GSD easily trainable, it can also mean that the dog can get bored if not provided with sufficient levels of mental and physical stimulation. A bored GSD will find ways to entertain itself, which can manifest themselves in digging, barking, chewing, herding small children, and other undesirable behaviors. GSDs need adequate amounts of socialization, mental stimulation, and exercise on a regular basis in order to become good citizens.

In addition, they also require training and structure in their lifestyle, and need to be dealt with firmly but fairly. While a properly trained GSD can be a loyal and protective companion, one without the proper guidance and training can be destructive and difficult to live with. The training for this dog is a lifelong commitment, and does not stop at a basic obedience class.

The GSD is a double-coated breed, with an outer coat of guard hair and an inner layer of undercoat. This double coat sheds year-round, and produces greater volumes of fur when the dogs "blow coat" in the spring and fall. Some shed more than others, but rest assured that your vacuum will become your best friend.

For information on the variants of coats and coat colors found among German Shepherd Dogs, go to http://www.4gsd.net/colours.html. This is a very good display of the numerous coats seen on GSDs.

Are you ready for a GSD?

Please think about your lifestyle before getting a dog. If you work long or irregular hours, travel extensively as part of your job, or are rarely at home, now may not be the time for getting a dog. Remember that a GSD needs to spend time with his pack (you and your family). This could mean that you may have to adjust your schedule to spend sufficient time with your dog.

You must be willing to commit 10-15 years of your life to taking care of this dog. This means that it is not a good idea to get a dog just for a child, or when not all of the members of a family are willing to share in the responsibilities that come with bringing a GSD into your home.

The GSD is a very active breed, and requires exercise and training on a daily basis. A dog that gets put out in the yard is not going to exercise itself, so you need to be out there, interacting with your dog, making sure that it stays in good physical condition, and is mentally stimulated as well. If your idea of fun is sitting on a couch in front of the TV, a GSD is not for you.

Getting a rescue dog

Breed-specific rescues are a great place for finding the right dog for you. The rescue dogs appreciate the love and nurturing they receive at the hand of their owners, and bond deeply with them.

Rescue dogs come from many places. Some are found as strays or are brought in from shelters. But owners who no longer have time for them, or develop allergies to them, or have suffered financial difficulties and can no longer afford to keep them also give their dogs up for adoption. Many are given up because the lack of training by the owners has allowed them to develop bad habits.

VGSR tests the animals it receives for proper temperament, gives them appropriate medical care, and places them in foster homes. The foster provides a stable environment and basic training, and evaluates the dog's personality more thoroughly to determine if it is good with children, other dogs, cats, etc., so that it can be placed in the home that best fits its needs.

VGSR has put into place its application and interview process prior to adoption because we want to make sure that the right dog goes to the right home for it. There are individual variations within each breed, and the procedures we have put into place minimize the possibility of a dog being placed in an environment that is unsuitable for its well-being.

The right dog for you

Many factors go into the determination of which dog will be the right one for you. When making your selection, please pay particular attention to the age of the dog.

That puppy might look really cute, but are you sure that you are able and willing to put up with the work that goes along with having a puppy? They are babies, and as such will chew things, make messes in the house, and need to be taken out every couple of hours to relieve themselves (yes, even in the middle of the night in a driving rain or snow). An adult dog on the other hand would generally know not to do any of the above, can stay at home all day while you are at work, and is easily trained since adults have longer attention spans.

If you are looking for a dog that will be your constant, loyal companion, consider getting a rescue dog from VGSR.

How to adopt from us

1. Obtain an adoption application by visiting us on the web at our Available Dogs page and downloading an application in PDF format, by sending us an e-mail at contact@shepherdrescue.org, or by calling us at (703) 435-2840. Due to the fact that VGSR requires a home visit and face-to-face interviews with all potential adopters, we will accept applications only from those people who reside in the Virginia, Maryland, and DC areas.

2. Complete the adoption application, and mail the application along with a non-refundable processing fee of $10 (cash or check ONLY) to:

Virginia German Shepherd Rescue
Attn: Adoption Application
P.O. Box 126
Sterling, VA 20167

3. Upon receipt of your application, our volunteers will review it for completeness and call and check on your references. If you rent your home, your landlord will be called to verify that you live in pet-friendly housing. We need to be sure dogs are allowed, and that there is no weight or size restriction. (Some townhouses and condos do have size and weight restrictions on pets.)

4. Once your application has been approved, you will be informed of scheduled, upcoming events where you can meet our dogs, or arrangements will be made for you to visit our foster dogs on a case-by-case basis.

5. We will choose a mutually convenient time to have our volunteer meet with you and your family in your home.

6. Once you have selected the dog that best fits your needs, you will be asked to make a minimum $250 donation (cash or check ONLY) to help VGSR defray the costs of getting the dog fully vetted and ready for adoption, and sign an adoption contract.

We will be on hand to answer any questions you might have about your dog for the rest of its life.

Should we feel that a home situation does not meet the needs of a particular dog, we may refuse an applicant at our discretion.

Also please take a good look at the German Shepherd Dog Shopper's Guide for additional insight into this truly magnificent creature that we've come to know and love.