What to expect when you’re getting a… Yorkies

Lifespan: 8-12 years

Trainability: Eager to please

Exercise: High Energy

Grooming: Moderate

Pawesome Rating: 5 Paws

Why we love them…

Why we love them…

German Shepherds (GSD’s) are loyal, intelligent and courageous.

They are incredibly versatile and can excel at almost anything whether it is as an assistance dog, police dog, obedience champion, or a devoted family pet.

When well-socialised they are confident and relaxed dogs.

Although not easily impressed, once you have won their friendship, GSD’s make the most devoted of
companions.

Things to know…

Their intelligence and high energy levels mean that a GSD who is not well exercised and stimulated will be prone to issues such as barking or destructive behaviour.

GSDs are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia which can require long term management including surgery in some cases.

They can also develop CDRM, a long term condition where the nerves to the back legs gradually deteriorate.

Due to their size GSDs are prone to bloat and twisted stomachs, requiring emergency surgery to save their
life.

Pancreatic disease, including pancreatitis, is also seen in GSD’s, although pancreatic insufficiency, which
used to be more common has decreased thanks to selective breeding.

Before you commit…

If you’re getting a puppy choose a breeder who selects for pet dogs or working dogs depending on what you need.

Check that mum and dad have been screened for hip and elbow disease.

If you’re taking on an adult dog try and find out what the dog’s background is: were they used as a guard dog or were they a family pet?

Have they been well-socialised with people and other animals?

Watch the dog walk and play.

Look for signs of back leg weakness or a limp