Are German Shepherds Good With Little Dogs?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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German Shepherds are intelligent and loyal. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And,

if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs

. However, studies suggest that GSDs are above average in aggression towards other dogs.

Why do German Shepherds go after small dogs?


They Display Dominant Behaviors

Contrary to popular belief, true dog dominance is quite rare. However, if your German Shepherd is dominant they may try to assert their power over other dogs by being aggressive towards them. Some dominant behaviors include: mounting behaviors (even between dogs of the same sexes)

Should I get another dog for my German Shepherd?


Getting two German Shepherds of the opposite sex seems to be a better choice considering dogs are less likely to fight with the opposite sex

. Ideally, the two dogs should have at least 1.5 to 2 years apart to avoid excessive bonding between each other that may impede their socialization with humans and other dogs.

What breed of dog goes well with a German Shepherd?

German Shepherds are friendly, playful, energetic, and adaptable dogs that can get along well with many dogs of similar size and temperament. Some of the most compatible companion breeds include

Belgian Malinois, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Boxer

, and other German Shepherds.

Do German Shepherds like to cuddle?

3)

They often snuggle or cuddle

.

Apart from following you around, German Shepherds like to feel physically close to you. Snuggling or cuddling is one of the best signs that your GSD is being affectionate because this is one way they treat you as part of their pack.

Why you should not get a German Shepherd?


Your Puppy Will be Small Forever

. As cute as pups are when they are ‘pup’s they grow up, they get taller, fill out, have huge feet and can weigh a bit, so they are no good as lap dogs. GSD’s can grow quickly and can weigh up to 50kg. Do NOT purchase this breed of dog if you think it will stay small.

Do German Shepherds bark a lot?

Honestly, yes.

German Shepherds do tend to bark more than some of the other large dog breeds

. Even with lots of training and socialization, it isn’t uncommon for them to be more vocal.

Are German Shepherd puppies aggressive?


A German Shepherd becomes aggressive at around 3 to 6 months old

. This escalates during the adolescent stage from 6 months to two years old as sexual maturity arises and hormones fluctuate.

Are German Shepherds friendly to strangers?


German Shepherds can be friendly to strangers as long as they are taught to be

. Ideally, they would be socialized as puppies to be around people and animals other than those they live with. That way, they don’t develop any fears or guardedness around new people and pets as they grow older.

Do German Shepherds attach to one person?


German Shepherds will generally attach themselves to one person in the family

, but they can still be a good family dog. Although they have their fair share of behavioral issues, these generally stem from a lack of leadership on the part of their pet parents.

Can German Shepherds turn on their owners?


A well-trained German Shepherd will rarely turn on or bite his owner

. However, if the dog is scared or sick, he may bite to defend himself if provoked. A dog may also bite if he has a history of being abused or neglected.

What’s the best companion dog?

If you want a pup that thrives on human companionship, think

Pomeranian, Chinese crested, French bulldog, or toy poodle

. For a dog that loves your attention and is a good watchdog too, one who’ll bark when strangers are near, your ideal canine mate may be a beagle, bloodhound, or American cocker spaniel.

Should I get a male or female German Shepherd?

Research shows that males German Shepherds are more aggressive than female German Shepherds. This means that

a family should consider choosing a female for a companion over a male

. Males tend to perform better for roles in protection and guarding and could do well in a home without children and the proper training.

What’s a good companion dog?

  • American Eskimo Dog. …
  • Australian Kelpie. …
  • Bernese Mountain Dog. …
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. …
  • Chihuahua. …
  • English Springer Spaniel. …
  • Golden Retriever. …
  • Icelandic Sheepdog.

Why do German Shepherds put their paw on you?

When you are petting your dog, and he puts his paw on your arm or leg, it is kind of like petting you back. While most dogs can’t do an actual stroking action, laying their paw on you is

a sign of affection, closeness and trust

This is his way of creating a special bond with you.

Why do German Shepherds tilt their head?

Noises which are far out of reach of the human ear are easily discernible to a German Shepherd’s auditory senses.

If they hear something which they don’t recognize or can’t decipher, they will try to tune into the sound more by tilting their heads

. Think of it as directional sound capturing.

Should German Shepherd puppies run?

The Best Exercise for German Shepherd Puppies

Up to twelve months of age,

natural free running is the best way to exercise German Shepherds

. With free running, your dog is off-leash and can stop or slow as they wish and want.

Is a German Shepherd a good first dog?


Yes, German Shepherds can be a good option for first-time dog owners

. However, owning a GSD involves a lot of work. Before you get one, you need to reflect on whether the breed is compatible with your lifestyle and the level of commitment you’re ready to offer.

What is the smartest breed of dog?

  • Border collie. According to The Intelligence of Dogs, which ranks 131 dog breeds in terms of their relative intelligence, the border collie is the smartest dog breed known to man. …
  • Poodle. …
  • German shepherd. …
  • Golden retriever. …
  • Doberman pinscher. …
  • Shetland sheepdog. …
  • Labrador retriever. …
  • Papillon.

What to Know Before Getting a German Shepherd?

  • They are smart. …
  • They can have high-energy needs. …
  • They require mental stimulation. …
  • They’re cuddle bugs at home but aloof in public. …
  • German shepherds are natural guard dogs. …
  • They are excellent listeners.

How do you punish a German Shepherd?

  1. Use distractions when your German Shepherd is in the middle of a bad behavior.
  2. Redirect their attention to a more desirable behavior.
  3. Reward positive behavior with treats, affection, games, or playtime.
  4. Use short, but effective, calming timeouts.

Are German Shepherds easy to train?

#7

German Shepherds are obedient and easy to train

German Shepherds are obedient, making them easier to train compared to other dog breeds. Not only do German Shepherd perform well in task training, obedience training wouldn’t be any problem for them as well. They will listen and obey to your commands.

Do German Shepherds shed a lot?


German Shepherds shed


That makes for a lot of fur

! Not only do these dogs shed continuously, they also blow their coat (lose all their undercoat) twice a year, in the spring and fall. To help with shedding, brush your dog regularly.

What is the most aggressive dog?


Rough Collies

are the most aggressive dog breed, a new study of more than 9,000 pets has found.

Which dog breed is the least aggressive?
  • Basset Hound.
  • Beagle.
  • Bergamasco Sheepdog.
  • Bernese Mountain Dog.
  • Border Collie.
  • Boxer.
  • Brittany.
  • Bulldog.

At what age does a German Shepherd start guarding?

While you can start to notice protective behaviors as early as

12 weeks

, full-blown protective behaviors typically wait until about 6 months of age, when your dog reaches adolescence.

Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.