Anyone who’s ever heard the words “German Shepherd” pictures a highly intelligent, easily trainable, protective, sometimes feared, and respected dog. Fiercely loyal and ever steady, but are German Shepherds protective of their owners?
So, are German Shepherds protective of their owners? Yes. German Shepherds are one of the best-suited dogs anywhere for taking care of their owners and are consistently ranked within the top 5 on “best guard dog” lists. GSDs are a fiercely loyal and observant breed and will take calculated, defensive action against any perceived threat.
While sifting through piles of dog breeds in your search for a new guardian you’ll find that many are up to the task of being a good protector. There are a few things that set GSDs apart from the rest though, but we’ll cover those here to help you along in your journey.
Breeding
Like many modern pure breeds, the German Shepherd Dog is actually an amalgamation of different strains of a more ancient lineage. In this case, a German Shepherd’s origin is a result of several northern German herding breeds of a more ancient lineage.
The predecessors to the GSD were well-trained to be highly attentive to their owner and flock, easily trainable, and eager to please.
Those traits show through strongly in your modern-day German Shepherds whose strict breeding was commenced by a veteran of the German military and veterinarian Max Von Stephanitz in 1899, with the first known of the breed dubbed “Horand”.
While out in the fields tending their flocks, the GSD may not always be within earshot of their human. They must have the brainpower and quick decision making to keep their bounty safe and on course.
Their big, pointed ears sit atop their heads and are somewhat reminiscent of an African wild dog. They have excellent hearing and eyesight for keeping a tight watch, and their loyal and protective nature makes them a formidable opponent for any hungry beast that might be lurking near their ranks.
They must also be able to not only defend their herd, but maintain a level of trustworthiness that leaves their person confident in lieu of visual contact. The GSD can be left to their own devices and will make sure the job gets done properly.
German Shepherd Dogs are herding machines and need little to no guidance. Its long-standing heritage and over a century of meticulous tailoring make it the perfect candidate to do so.
Personality
If you own a GSD already then you know your pride and joy is ludicrously cute. There’s nowhere else on the planet to find the pointy-eared head tilt your pup is likely to shoot you every time a curiosity-spurring moment arises.
The German shepherd is among the smartest of dogs.
Their steadfastness and can-do attitude are just a couple of things that make the GSD so highly sought, and their even, calm demeanor makes them great family dogs, especially when weathering tail-tugging toddler tantrums.
It has the ability to problem-solve more effectively than most other breeds and is used to do so by law enforcement all over the world.
Their willingness and capacity to absorb and execute commands means they’re an excellent choice as either a pet or a working partner.
Lending to the ease of owning this dog is the fact that they’re incredibly trainable.
Not only do they possess the aforementioned intelligence, but they also have an extreme desire to please their owners and will stop at virtually nothing to do so.
The inquisitive nature of these beautiful animals means that they need to encounter plenty of mental stimulation on a daily basis.
GSDs were bred to work, so if they don’t have enough tasks at hand or get enough exercise, they can begin to slip into bouts of doggy depression.
Loyalty
It is commonly presumed that dogs and humans evolved together, at least from the last few thousand years ago onward.
German Shepherds and their lineages are almost a poster-child for this theory as the way they become fine-tuned with their humans is to an extreme extent.
It’s almost like they understand English quite fluently, as there really aren’t a whole lot of things you can say that your GSD won’t understand. They can understand up to ninety-five percent of commands given, even if they are very specific and unusual.
When cooking a delicious dinner for the family, you won’t have to worry about these sweet dogs snatching your vittles off the counter. They are trustworthy and practically never require supervision.
It’s a good idea to keep a tight eye when introducing them to other dogs, but in general, they are sociable animals and unlikely to cause an issue.
When your new bundle of furry joy arrives home and the training commences, you and your pup will begin forming a bond that once acquired will never be broken. They’ll love and serve you unconditionally as long as you do the same.
Duty
Able to learn many commands in less than five seconds in some cases, German Shepherds are a top pick for law enforcement and military applications in instances where humans are unable to gain access due to either confined areas or high danger levels.
The courage, intuition, and level of trainability this dog boasts are unlikely to be rivaled by most other breeds.
More than a few have served honorably and died in the line of duty, whether it meant protecting their town, country, flock, or family.
GSDs are of such high value from a utility standpoint that herding may not seem like the most obvious thing they were bred for. Owners of this magnificent breed often task them with whatever challenge they wish, and the German Shepherd rarely disappoints.
German Shepherds find extreme satisfaction in pleasing their owners and will go to great extents to do so.
There is certainly no shortage of GSD heroes. The way they understand not only people but the situations we get ourselves into, it is almost as if their DNA is inextricably linked with ours.
Their comprehension level and unwavering mindset in the face of danger make them an exceptional and irreplaceable asset for the protection of their families.
It sure doesn’t hurt that they make great best friends too.
Related Questions
Generally speaking, GSDs are not considered to be dangerous canines. Though they can be if necessary. They are highly trainable, intelligent, and astute enough to decipher whether the target in question is an actual threat. Toward their owners, German Shepherds are a loving and loyal family guardian. They are a discerning breed, however, and they don’t just assume that because they live with you now, you’re best friends. It takes time to build up a strong level of trust and learn each other’s nuances before a solid relationship forms. Once it does, you’ve got yourself a steadfast buddy for life.
If you’re in the market for a dog who doesn’t like to escape, a GSD might not be the best choice for you. Herding dogs were designed to be able to guide and protect their flock no matter what obstacle lay in front of them. Due to this fact, many herding dogs are highly energetic and are wizards at finding (or making) holes in fences. You think that wall wooden planking or chainlink is going to keep your GSD from tending his flock? Not even for a second. Don’t worry though, these dogs are intensely trainable and over time will figure out their boundaries and remain in the yard.
