Breed Clubs - South Africa
- Alaskan Malamute
- Australian Shepherd Dog
- Basenji
- Boerboel
- Borzoi
- Boston
- Boxer
- Bulldog
- Chinese Crested
- Chow Chow
- Corgi
- Dachshund
- Dobermann
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
November/December 2007
May/June 2012
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- Greyhounds & Whippet
- Irish Wolfhound
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Labrador Retriever
- Miniature Dachshund
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Pomeranian
- Poodles
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rottweiler
- Saluki
- Scottish Terrier
- Setters
- Shetland Sheepdog
- Spaniels
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- White Swiss Shepherd
- Xoloiztcuintle
- Yorkshire Terrier
German Shepherd
It is recommended that only reputable breeders should be approached when seeking breed information or if you wish to purchase a puppy.
See the advertisements in either this month's issue, our classifieds section, or our back issues featuring your breed of choice. Alternatively contact one of the clubs listed below for breeders in your area.
National |
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German Shepherd Dog Club |
German Shepherd Dog Federation
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Gauteng |
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German Shepherd Dog Club |
Pretoria Shepherd Dog Club
Pretoria North German Shepherd Dog and ABTS
SA Alsatian (Shepherd Dog) Club
Highveld German Shepherd Dog and ABTC
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Kwazulu Natal |
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| German Shepherd Dog Club | Pinetown German Shepherd Dog Club
Natal German Shepherd Dog Club
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Border |
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German Shepherd Dog Club |
Border German Shepherd Dog Club and ABTS
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Western Cape |
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| German Shepherd Dog Club | German Shepherd Dog Club, Western Cape
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Namibia |
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| German Shepherd Dog Club | Verein fur Deutsche Scahferhunde (Nam) |
Fact File - German Shepherds
Original Function |
Herding, trotting | |
| Modern Function | Protection, companionship, working (service) dog. | |
Appearance |
The German Shepherd Dog is medium-sized, slightly elongated, powerful and well-muscled, the bones dry and the overall structure firm. | |
Weight |
Ideal weight: Dogs: 35-45kg Bitches: 22-30kg |
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| Height | Ideal height: Dogs: 60 – 65cm at the withers Bitches: 55 – 60cm at the withers |
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| Coat Colour | 4 accepted colours: Black & tan, Grey Sable, Black and Bi-colour. |
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| Coat Texture | The correct coat of the is a double coat with undercoat. The top coat should be as dense as possible, straight, and close-lying. The other variety is the long and harsh outer coat, also with undercoat. | |
Grooming |
Regular brushing is required. Bathing only when necessary. | |
| Personality/Temperament | The German Shepherd Dog must be of well-balanced temperament, steady of nerve, self-assured, absolutely free and easy, and (unless provoked) completely good natured, as well as alert and tractable. He must have courage, combative instinct and hardness, in order to be suitable as companion, watchdog, protection, service and herding dog. | |
Compatibility with other dogs |
Good | |
| Compatibility with cats and other animals | Depends on the individual animal. | |
Compatibility with people/children |
Excellent | |
Living Space – Indoors/Outdoors |
Needs space to run, so must be walked or taken for runs if kept indoors. | |
Space and Exercise |
Needs regular exercise and stimulation. | |
Trainability |
Excellent | |
| Suitability as Watchdog
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Excellent | |
Noise Factor |
Can be noisy if bored. | |
| Average Lifespan
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10 -12 years. | |
| Feeding | Feed a good quality dog food, and follow manufacturers’ recommendations for age and weight. | |
Health |
This is a breed with few health problems. A well-bred GSD should not be affected by serious hereditary health issues. | |
| Availability | Enquire via the GSD Federation-affiliated Clubs for reputable breeders and healthy puppies. Be prepared to wait for well-bred puppies! | |
| Some questions to ask Breeders | Ask to see mother and if possible, father of the litter. Are the puppies registered with the GSD Federation or KUSA? Are they de-wormed and vaccinated? |