The Old German Shepherd Dog is a rare and lesser-known type of the German Shepherd breed, first developed in Germany. They are much larger and more robust than the modern German Shepherd, with a traditional appearance similar to the original German herding dogs. Old German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature, making them excellent working dogs and family companions.
In terms of appearance, Old German Shepherds have a sturdy build with a dense double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, sable, black, and tan. They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance with a strong, well-built head and an alert, expressive demeanor. They have upright ears and a thick, low-hanging tail.
Breed Overview
Held onto the true bloodlines and characteristics of the German Shepherd before the breed was standardized, the Old German Shepherd Dog, also referred known as Altdeutscher Schäferhund, is The Old German Shepherd was developed primarily for function, primarily herding and working, unlike the modern German Shepherd, which has been bred more for beauty.
- Breed Group: Herding
- Origin: Germany
- Size: Large
- Expected Lifespan: 10–14 years
- Coat: double coat, long and dense
- Coat Shades: Black, sable, wolf gray, and black mixed with tan.
Old German Shepherd Dog Characteristics
Trait Rating (1-5)
Energy Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Trainability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Affection Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Grooming Needs: ⭐⭐⭐
Good with Children: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Good with Other Pets: ⭐⭐⭐
Intelligence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Guarding Instinct: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
With ratings high on intelligence, trainability, and energy, this breed is perfect for busy people or households who can supply structure and action
Old German Shepherd Dog: Temperament and Mental Abilities
Really intelligent, loving, and defensive ancient German Shepherds are trained to operate closely with people; they are very obedient and eager to please. Fast learners, these dogs readily understand commands, tasks, and even difficult schedules.
They have a brave, attentive, and quiet temperament. Usually suspicious of newcomers until correctly introduced, they develop close relationships with their owners. This qualifies them to be very good watchdogs.
The Old German Shepherd meets all the requirements if you want a dog that is extremely clever, very loyal, and gorgeous. Would you like to know more about the old German Shepherd.
Old German Shepherd Dog Puppies
Dogs of this breed are quite beautiful, fuzzy, awkward, and lively! Early socializing and regular training are, nevertheless, necessary for these. Since they are naturally bright and active, it’s vital to keep their brains busy right from the beginning.
Important puppy care advice
- Start obedience training at eight weeks old
- Early introduce them to various individuals, animals, and surroundings
- Employ positive reinforcement strategies.
They develop swiftly, therefore, early canning is essential.
Would families find these dogs to be good?
Definitely! Old German Shepherd Dogs are renowned for their family members’ loyalty and love. Great family pets, they can be particularly gentle and shielding with youngsters.
Still, they do best in homes where they receive a lot of mental stimulation, exercise, and attention. An Old German Shepherd who is bored may turn destructive or anxious.
Can this breed live alongside other animals?
Good training and early socialization allow them to bond well with other animals. Early instruction in how to peacefully and respectfully engage with other animals is vital for their development, since you can find them & quot; herding & quot; younger animals (or maybe children!
What You Should Know Before Owning an Ancient German Shepherd Dog:
Before bringing one of these magnificent dogs home, here are some important considerations
Exercise
Old German Shepherds have a lot of energy. Daily, they require at least one to two hours of activity. This might cover fetch, hiking, runs, walks, or even agility training
Given chores or responsibilities to complete—remember, they are working dogs at heart!—they also flourish!
Training
Love to study and seek to please, these dogs. Their great intelligence means they respond extremely well to positive reinforcement
Training tips:
- Make patience and consistency your top priorities
- Use compliments and goodies as incentives.
- Start early and commit daily to training.
Their brains will stay sharp with obedience, socializing, even sophisticated training or herding courses.
Grooming
Their beautiful, long double coat calls for constant upkeep. Expect moderate to heavy shedding, particularly around seasonal changes
Grooming needs:
- Spend time brushing them two to three times per week for best results.
- Only when required should you bathe.
- Regularly inspect teeth, ears, and nails
Invest in a quality de-shedding brush; you will thank yourself later. Conditions and Health
Because Old German Shepherds preserve original bloodlines, they generally tend to be healthier than most contemporary GSDs. Despite this, they might still be at risk for.
- Elbow and hip dysplasia
- Degenerative myelopathy of the spine
- Allergies
Tip: Maintaining their health depends much on regular veterinary examinations, a balanced diet, and physical activity
Male vs. Female
Male and female Old German Shepherd Dogs show some subtle differences
- Males: Usually more territorial, bigger, and more protective
- Females: Typically more loving, a little smaller, and simpler to train.
Both sexes make wonderful pets; your preferences and lifestyle will determine which is better Three Surprising Facts About the Old German Shepherd Dog.
Three Surprising Facts About the Old German Shepherd Dog
- They are not a “new” breed: These dogs were the first working-line German Shepherds, existing before 20th-century breed standards altered them.
- They’re less common than you think: Apart from Germany, they are very unusual and often mistaken for long-haired contemporary GSDs.
- They possess a gentler temperament: Many owners believe Old German Shepherds to be calmer and more consistent in temperament than the contemporary GSD, which makes them perfect for family living.
Final Comments
In the end, the Old German Shepherd Dog is an impressive mix of smartness, loyalty, and legacy. This breed has much to give, whether you are seeking a dependable working partner, a loving family companion, or a dog that stands out from the throng.
They do, however, need devotion, organization, and a great deal of activity. Should you be able to give that, you will have a lifelong committed and adoring buddy.