The Breed History
Closely related to the Dutch and Belgian Shepherds, the German
shepherd has gained unmistakable worldwide popularity. In
Germany, particularly in the Bavaria and Wurtemmburg areas
where the breed was refined. Due to their massive popularity in the
20th century, some lines have had medical or behavioral disorders
introduced. At one point, popularity of the breed surged after the
appearance of a German Shepherd in the Rin-Tin-Tin role.
Breeding for Function
Farm dog, gundog, sheep herding, guide dog for blind, tracker,
Schutzhund, and search and rescue are some of the functions ably
performed by this popular dog. They are also extremely popular as a
companion.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: female 22-24" (56-61 cm), male 24-26"
(61-66 cm).
Weight: 75-95 lb (34-43 kg).
Coat: The double coat consists of an inner coat of soft, dense short
hair, the outer coat is medium in length and dense, straight to
slightly wavy, and somewhat harsh or wiry; lying close. Hairs are
longer on the tail. Longhaired and shorthaired shepherd varieties
exist, and in the past a wirehaired variety also. In the show ring
today only the shorthaired variety is shown. Most colors are
permitted, but the rich black and tan is the most common. Other
colors include gray, and black, and tan. Dilutes and whites are
faults and disqualifications respectively. There is a separate white
shepherd breed.
Longevity: 12-13 years
Points of Conformation: The image of the breed is of a powerful,
rugged, working dog with a long, low, gliding elastic effortless
trot and possessing a bright fearless expression. The conformation
is longer than tall, the head is chiseled and long, tapering to a
wedge-shaped muzzle, the eyes expressive and medium in size and
setting and are almond shaped, slightly oblique, and dark brown
in color. The ears are erect when alert, moderate in size with broad
base, with moderate leather thickness and are moderately low set.
The nose is black, lips are tight and pigmented, the neck moderate
in size and length; not throaty. The thorax is deep and ribs well
sprung, and ribs stay deep far back in the rib cage, resulting in a
short loin. The topline is level, but slowly descending, with withers
higher than the rear, and the abdomen is moderately tucked up.
The tail extends to the tarsus, is low set, and gently curved. The
limbs are straight boned, the long bones oval in cross-section. All
dewclaws may be removed, but normally are left on in front and
removed behind. Feet are compact, toes moderately arched, pads
thick, and nails are tough and dark.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: Very high trainability,
somewhat aloof with strangers, high intelligence, loyal, courageous,
around the home possessing a calm demeanor; some lines are
timid, shy or aggressive.
Strong guard dog instincts are bred into these dogs and so
they should be socialized early to other pets and children. Early
obedience training is also important. High exercise and mental
stimulation needs are a hallmark. They require a moderate amount
of grooming, and will blow their coat twice yearly at which time
high shedding occurs.
Normal Physiologic Variations
None Reported
Drug Sensitivities
MDR1 Mutation (Ivermectin/Drug Toxicity): Autosomal
recessive disorder in the MDR1 gene allows high CNS drug levels
of ivermectin, doramectin, loperamide, vincristine, moxidectin, and
other drugs. Causes neurological signs, including tremors, seizures,
and coma. A genetic test is available for the mutated gene. In one
study, the defective gene was found at a frequency of 6% in white
German Shepherds and those carrying white factor.
Inherited Diseases
Elbow Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing elbow
arthritis. Reported 43.7x odds ratio for fragmented coronoid
process, 8.2x odds ratio for ununited anconeal process forms of
elbow dysplasia, and 14.9x odds ratio for elbow osteochondrosis
versus other breeds. UAP is reported at a frequency of 4.8% in the
AGSDCF 2004 Health Survey. OFA reports 19.3% affected.
Hip Dysplasia: Polygenically inherited trait causing degenerative
joint disease and hip arthritis. Dorn reports 2.20x odds ratio versus
other breeds. Another study reports a 5.7x odds ratio versus other
breeds. Joint laxity based on a distraction index is more highly
correlated to the development of degenerative joint disease than in
other breeds. Reported at a frequency of 10.1% in the AGSDCF 2004
Health Survey. OFA reports 19.1% affected.
Pancreatic Acinar Atrophy (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency):
Most studies show that German Shepherds have an autosomal
recessive immune-mediated pancreatic acinar atrophy. One study
showed only 2 of 6 dogs from an affected to affected mating
developed disease, showing that this is not a simple autosomal
recessive disease. Clinical signs are poor weight gain, and
steatorrhea. Diagnose with canine trypsin-like immunoreactivity
(cTLI) assay. Treatment is with enzyme supplementation. A British
study reports an affected frequency of 18% in the breed. A linked
marker has been found, but the causative gene has not been
identified.
Patella Luxation: Polygenically inherited trait causing stifle
instability and arthritis. OFA reports 0.8% affected.
Hereditary Multifocal Renal Cystadenocarcinoma and Nodular
Dermatofibrosis: Rare, autosomal recessive kidney cancer
characterized by bilateral, multifocal tumors in the kidneys, uterine
leiomyomas and nodules in the skin consisting of dense collagen
fibers. Mean age of onset is 6.4 years, and mean age of death is 9.3
years. A mutation has been identified in Norwegian and US families
of German Shepherd dogs. A genetic test is available.
Hemophilia A: Rare, x-linked recessive bleeding disorder. Males
are primarily affected. Affected dogs can show bleeding from
the mouth, subcutaneous and intramuscular haematomas and
lameness due to joint hematomas.
von Willebrand's disease (vWD): Rare, autosomal recessive mild
bleeding disorder documented in some German Shepherd families
in South Africa. No test for carriers is available.
Hyperuricosuria (HUU)/Urate Bladder Stones: An autosomal
recessive mutation in the SLC2A9 gene causes urate urolithiasis and
can predispose male dogs to urinary obstruction. Estimated at a
carrier frequency of 2.60% in the breed. A genetic test is available.
Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPSVII): Rare, autosomal recessive
lysosomal storage disorder presenting with progressive juvenile
inability to ambulate, skeletal deformities, corneal cloudiness,
cytoplasmic granules in the neutrophils and lymphocytes of blood
and CSF and urinary glycosaminoglycans. A genetic test is available.
Pituitary Dwarfism: Rare, autosomal recessive disorder of pituitary
disfunction. Affected dogs present with growth retardation and
stagnant development of the hair coat. The disorder is due to
a combined deficiency of GH, TSH, and prolactin together with
impaired release of gonadotropins. ACTH secretion is preserved.
The combined pituitary hormone deficiency is associated with cyst
formation and pituitary hypoplasia.
Platelet Procoagulant Deficiency: Rare autosomal recessive
bleeding disorder of platelet function that diminishes fibrin
clot formation. Affected dogs have increased residual serum
prothrombin assays. The defective gene is linked to canine
chromosome 27.
Disease Predispositions
Behavioral Abnormalities: German Shepherd dogs are
overrepresented for aggression behavioral diagnoses in a veterinary
school behavior service population. These include interdog
aggression and aggression toward humans. The AGSDCF 2004
Health Survey reports 6.7% fearful, 5.0% with separation anxiety,
and 4.4% with agreesion.
Allergic Dermatitis: Inhalant or food allergy. Presents with pruritis
and pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spots). In an Italian study, 20%
of German Shepard Dogs with dermatological disease also had an
adverse food reaction. Skin allergies are reported at a frequency
of 6.4%, inhallent allergies 4.6%, and food allergies 4.4% in the
AGSDCF 2004 Health Survey.
Hypothyroidism: Inherited autoimmune thyroiditis. Reported at a
frequency of 5.5% in the AGSDCF 2004 Health Survey. 6.4% positive
for thyroid autoantibodies based on testing at Michigan State
University. (Ave. for all breeds is 7.5%).
Panosteitis: Self-limiting disorder of intermittent lameness
involving the diaphyseal and metaphyseal areas of the tubular long
bones in young dogs prior to skeletal maturation. Reported 3.3x
odds ratio versus other breeds. Reported at a frequency of 10.1% in
the AGSDCF 2004 Health Survey.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat, GDV)/Intestinal Volvulus/
Splenic Torsion: German Shepherds are at increased risk for
life-threatening twisting of the stomach, intestines, or spleen
within the abdomen. Requires immediate veterinary attention.
Gastic or intestinal volvulus was the cause of death of 15% of
German Shepherds in one teaching hospital study. GDV is reported
at a frequency of 8.5% in the AGSDCF 2004 Health Survey.
Stifle Osteochondritis Dessicans (OCD): Polygenically inherited
cartilage defect. Causes stifle joint pain and lameness in young
growing dogs. Mild cases can resolve with rest, while more severe
cases require surgery. Reported 17.5x odds ratio versus other breeds.
Perianal Fistula/Furunculosis: Inflammatory disorder creating
perianal ulceration and fistulas. Treat with anti-inflammatory
medications and tacrolimus. Dorn reports a 14.31x odds ratio
versus other breeds. Reported at a frequency of 5.3% with a male
preponderance in the AGSDCF 2004 Health Survey. Presence of a
specific allele in the major histocompatability complex produces an
odds ratio of 3.7x versus German Shepherds without the allele, and
dogs homozygous for this allele have an earlier onset. A test for the
susceptibility gene is available.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Affected dogs show an insidious
onset of upper motor neuron (UMN) paraparesis at an average
age of 11.4 years. The disease eventually progresses to severe
tetraparesis. Affected dogs have normal results on myelography,
MRI, and CSF analysis. Necropsy confirms the condition. Unknown
mode of inheritance. A direct genetic test for an autosomal
recessive DM susceptibility gene (SOD1 mutation) is available. OFA
reports 21% test homozygous, and 30% test heterozygous for the
susceptibility gene. All affected dogs are homozygous for the gene,
however, only a small percentage of homozygous dogs develop DM.
Some studies suggest an immune or inflammatory pathogenesis for
DM in German Shepherds. Reported at a frequency of 9.2% in the
AGSDCF 2004 Health Survey.
Corneal Dystrophy: Inherited disorder causing epithelial/stromal
white to grey oval or ring shaped opacities in the corneas. Reported
in 4.88% of German Shepherd dogs CERF-examined by veterinary
ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy (HOD): Immune-mediated disorder
causing fever, and painful, swollen joints and bones in young dogs.
Occurs mostly within 3-14 days post-vaccination. Age of onset is
8-16 weeks. Reported 9.6x odds ratio versus other breeds. Unknown
mode of inheritance.
Hemangiosarcoma: Malignant neoplasm most often presenting in
the spleen, heart, or bone marrow. Splenic hemangiosarcoma most
often presents due to an acute bleed. Usually metastatic by the time
of diagnosis. German Shepherds have a 4.7x odds ratio versus other
breeds.
Cranial Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Rupture: Traumatic tearing of the
ACL in the stifle, causing lameness and secondary arthritis. Treat with
surgery. Affected German Shepherd dogs have a significantly greater
tibial plateau angle (TPA) versus other breeds. TPA measurements
may be helpful to screen prospective breeding dogs.
Congential or Juvenile Cataract: German Shepherd dogs can
develop bilateral posterior cortical cataracts at 8-12 weeks of age
that progress to involve the Y-sutures and nucleus. These juvenile
cataracts are thought to be recessively inherited. A rare congenital
cataract has been observed in German Shepherd dogs and is
thought to be dominantly inherited. Reported at a frequency of
3.4% in the AGSDCF 2004 Health Survey. Cataracts are reported
in 4.97% of German Shepherd dogs CERF-examined by veterinary
ophthalmologists between 2000-2005. CERF does not recommend
breeding any German Shepherd dog with a cataract.
Chronic Superficial Keratitis (Pannus): Chronic corneal
inflammatory process that can cause vision problems due to
corneal pigmentation. Treatment with topical ocular lubricants and
anti-inflammatory medication. German Shepherds are at increased
risk. Identified in 3.16% of German Shepherd dogs CERF-examined
by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005. CERF does not
recommend breeding any German Shepherd dog with pannus.
Persistent Pupillary Membranes: Strands of fetal remnant
connecting; iris to iris, cornea, lens, or involving sheets of tissue.
The later three forms can impair vision, and dogs affected with
these forms should not be bred. Identified in 1.99% of German
Shepherd dogs CERF-examined by veterinary ophthalmologists
between 2000-2005.
Retinal Dysplasia: Retinal folds, geographic, and generalized retinal
dysplasia with detachment are recognized in the breed. Can lead
to blindness. Reported in 1.99% of German Shepherd dogs CERF
examined by veterinary ophthalmologists between 2000-2005.
Degenerative Lumbosacral Stenosis (DLS)/Cauda Equina
Syndrome: Lumbosacral spinal cord compression due to DLS
occurs most frequently in German Shepherd dogs (25.6% of cases).
Clinical signs of lumbar pain, pelvic limb lameness, urinary and
fecal incontinence and self mutilation occur at an average age of
5.4 years. The disorder can present with IV disc degeneration, sacral
osteochondrosis, vertebral end plate sclerosis, facet joint tropism,
ventral sacral subluxation, ligamentum flavum hypertrophy, and/
or entrapment of cauda equina nerve roots. Survey radiographs are
not predictive for the development of DLS. Lumbosacral transitional
vertebra can predispose to DLS, and cause an earlier onset.
Treatment is by dorsal decompressive laminectomy.
Immune dysfunction/IgA deficiency: Several disorders seen in
the German Shepherd dog appear to be related to a deficiency
of IgA function. These include inflammatory bowel disease,
mucocutaneous pyoderma, systemic aspergillosis, and
leishmaniosis. See under specific disease headings.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): German Shepherds are
overrepresented for cases of inflammatory bowel disease and
antibiotic responsive diarrhea. It is thought that an immune
dysfunction can be the cause, and some researchers propose
an intestinal IgA abnormality. Chronic diarrhea is reported at a
frequency of 4.2%, and IBD 3.7% in the AGSDCF 2004 Health
Survey.
Aortic Stenosis (Subaortic Stenosis, SAS): Affected dogs present
with a left heart base murmur, aortic velocities greater than 1.5
m/second on Doppler echocardiography, aortic regurgitation, and
mitral regurgitation. Can cause exercise intolerance, syncope,
and progress to heart failure. German Shepherds are reported at
an increased frequency versus other breeds. Unknown mode of
inheritance–considered polygenic.
Ventricular Arrhythmia/Sudden Cardiac Death: An inherited
arrhythmia in young German Shepherd dogs can cause sudden
death, usually between 22-26 weeks of age due to ventricular
tachycardia (VT). Affected dogs often have no clinical signs prior
to a fatal arrhythmia. 24-hour Holter monitoring can identify
ventricular premature contractions (VPCs), VPC couplets, and VT. The
disorder may be related to abnormalities in calcium cycling between
cells. The mode of inheritance is undetermined.
Perineal Hernia: German Shepherds are the most frequent breed
diagnosed with perineal hernia. Treat with surgery.
Epilepsy (Inherited Seizures): Inherited seizures can be generalized
or partial seizures. A male preponderance is reported in the breed.
Control with anticonvulsant medications. Undetermined mode of
inheritance.
Aquired Megaesophagus: German Shepherds are overrepresented
in diagnoses of acquired megaesophagus. Causes include peripheral
neuropathy, laryngeal paralysis, acquired myasthenia gravis,
esophagitis, and gastric dilatation. Hypothyroidism is not associated
with megaesophagus. Clinical signs include regurgitation, excess
salivation, and aspiration pneumonia.
Myesthenia Gravis: An immune-mediated disorder of circulating
anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies cause generalized appendicular
muscle weakness with or without megaesophagus, or selective
esophageal, facial and pharyngeal muscular weakness. German
Shepherds are reported with a 4.8x odds ratio versus other breeds.
Systemic Lupus Erythomatosis (SLE)/Discoid Lupus
Erythematosus (DLE): German Shepherds are overrepresented
for these immune-mediated diseases. SLE primarily affects
male German Shepherds at approximately 5 years of age with
polyarthritis, and renal and mucocutaneous disorders. In DLE cases,
German Shepherds comprised 44.4% of all cases in one study,
and also tend to have more multifocal lesions. Treatment is with
immune-modulating drugs.
German Shepherd Pyoderma (GSP)/Mucocutaneous Pyoderma:
Skin disease caused by immune deficiency, presenting with lesions
to the lips, nasal planum, nares, perioral skin and less commonly,
the eyelids, vulva, prepuce and anus. Responds to antibiotic
therapy.
Congenital Vascular Anomalies: Multiple reports exist of German
Shepherd puppies with multiple congenital cardiac anomalies
including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), persistent right aortic
arch (PRAA), and secondary megaesophagus. German Shepherds
are reported with a breed prevalence for PDA and PRAA.
Calcinosis Circumscripta: Calcinosis circumscripta is an uncommon
syndrome of dystrophic, metastatic or iatrogenic mineralization
of calcium salts in soft tissues. Lesions usually occur on the hind
feet or tongue in 1-4 year old dogs. 28.6% of canine cases occur in
German Shepherd dogs.
Systemic Aspergillosis: Young to middle-age female German
Shepherd dogs are over-represented in cases of systemic
aspergillosis. Thought to be associated with a primary IgA
abnormality. Affected dogs present with variable signs of
leucocytosis, hyperglobulinemia, diskospondylitis, osteomyelitis
and thoracic lymphadenomegaly. The disease is usually fatal, but
some dogs can be maintained on antifungal drugs for up to two
years.
Leishmaniosis/Visceral Leishmaniosis: German Shepherd dogs are
overrepresented in cases of leishmaniosis. Affected dogs can present
with peripheral lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and anemia.
Susceptability may be due to an IgA abnormality.
Familial Cutaneous Vasculopathy: Affected young puppies present
with pyrexia, footpad swelling and depigmentation, crusting and
ulceration of ear tips and tail tips, and focal depigmentation of the
nasal planum. Biopsies show multifocal nodular dermatitis with
neutrophils and mononuclear inflammatory cells surround foci of
dermal collagenolysis, and degenerative and inflammatory vessel
lesions. The disease is thought to be a immune mediated disease
against abnormal collagen. Breeding studies suggest an autosomal
recessive mode of inheritance.
Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): A UK study identified 4 German
Shepherd dogs under 8 years of age in heart failure due to dilated
cardiomyopathy. Other studies have not shown a breed prevalence.
In this study, increased expression of the SERCA1 gene in the
myocardium is thought to be an adaptive response.
Acral lick Dermatitis, Base-Narrow Canines, Brachygnathism,
Central PRA, Cerebellar Abiotrophy, Cervical Vertebral
Instability, Cleft Lip/Palate, Cutaneous Asthenia, Deafness,
Demodicosis, Dermatomyositis, Dermoid, Ectodermal Dysplasia,
Factor IX Deficiency, Giant Axonal Neuropathy, Hyperparathyroidism,
Lupoid Onchyopathy, Lymphedema, Masticatory
Myositis, Micropapilla, Mitral Valve Disease, Oligodontia, Optic
Nerve Hypoplasia, Osteochondrodysplasia, Pelger-Huet Anomaly,
Pemphigus Erythematosus, Peripheral Vestibular Disease,
Sebaceous Adenitis, Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia, Uveodermatological
Syndrome, Vitiligo, and Wry Mouth are reported.
Isolated Case Studies
Primary Hypoparathyroidism: Case studies show German
Shepherd dogs overrepresented with a diagnosis of primary
hypoparathyroidim. Affected dogs presented with seizures, muscle
tremors and fasciculations, stiff gait, tetany, muscle cramping,
behavioural change, hyperventilation, and profound hypocalcemia.
Treat with calcium supplementation and vitamin D therapy.
Laryngeal Paralysis in White German Shepherds: Spontaneous
bilateral and unilateral laryngeal paralysis is reported in multiple
juvenile white German Shepherds. Clinical signs include respiratory
stridor. One dog had concurrent megaesophagus.
Mitochondrial Myopathy: A 9 month old male German Shepherd
presented with progressive exercise intolerance, a stiff, stilted gait
and marked atrophy and hypotonia of skeletal muscle. CK, LDH,
and AST were all elevated. Muscle biopsy demonstrated abnormal
mitochondria.
Genetic Tests
Tests of Genotype: A direct genetic test for an autosomal recessive
DM susceptibility gene is available from the OFA.
Direct test for an anal furunculosis/perianal fistula susceptibility
gene is available from Genoscoper: www.genoscoper.com
Direct test for Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPSVII) is available from
PennGen.
Direct test for Renal Cystadenocarcinoma Nodular Dermatofibrosis
is available from VetGen.
Direct test for HUU is available from the UC-Davis VGL and the
Animal Health Trust.
Direct test for coat length is available from the Animal Health Trust,
and VetGen.
Direct test for bicolor, solid black and sable colors are available from
HealthGene and VetGen.
Direct test for MDR1 (ivermectin sensitivity) gene in white German
Shepherds is available from Washington State Univ. http://www.
vetmed.wsu.edu/depts-VCPL/test.aspx
Tests of Phenotype: CHIC Certification: Required testing includes
hip and elbow radiographs, and temperament test. Optional tests
include cardiac evaluation, thyroid profile including autoantibodies,
CERF eye examination (annually until 6 years, then every other
year), and DM susceptibility test. (See CHIC website; www.
caninehealthinfo.org).
Miscellaneous
- Breed Name Synonyms: German Shepherd, Deutsche
SchРґferhund, German Shepard, German Shephard, Alsatian,
German Police Dog.
- Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC, KCGB (Kennel Club of Great
Britain), ANKC (Australian National Kennel Club), NKC (National
Kennel Club).
- AKC rank (year 2008): 3 (40,909 dogs registered)
- Internet resources: German Shepherd Dog Club of America:
www.gsdca.org
German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada Inc.: www.gsdcc.ca
German Shepherd Dog League of Great Britain:
www.gsdleague.co.uk/
British Association for German Shepherd Dogs: www.bagsd.net
The American German Shepherd Dog Charitable Foundation,
Inc.: www.agsdcf.org
German Shepherd Dog club of America-Working Dog
Association: www.gsdca-wda.org
The White German Shepherd Dog Club of America:
www.wgsdca.org
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