Americans absolutely love their dogs. We love taking them for walks, and we love to snuggle with them when the weather is cold. Many of us like having dogs for the safety they provide us. According to the Humane Society, Americans give homes to more than 160 million animals because they bring so much light into our lives.

If you are currently looking for a new puppy to expand your family, then there are some things you should consider. Will your dog be loyal? Will it be intelligent and readily trainable? By turning to German Shepherd breeders, you can get these things and more.

• Loyalty and Affection

%3Cbr%3E

German Shepherds are said to be some of the most affectionate, most loyal of any of the dog breeds. Subsequently, when you buy a puppy from German Shepherd breeders, you are not just buying another dog who eats food, sleeps, and spends its time ignoring you. Instead, German shepherd puppies offer you the chance to raise a true member of the family.

Raising a German Shepherd puppy, like any puppy, can be a lot of work. Because they were raised to be sheep herders, hence “shepherds”, they have a lot of energy that needs to be channeled properly. However, it is this mix of energy, loyalty, and affection that has made German Shepherd breeders in both the United States and Germany so popular a choice for dog lovers. Because of their wonderful attributes, the breed now makes up 4.6% of all dogs registered with the AKC.

• Intelligence

%3Cbr%3E

The American Kennel Club rated the German Shepherd the third most intelligent dog out of 100 breeds. 200 AKC judges came to that incredibly accurate decision! Canine intelligence is important to many families for many reasons. Firstly, intelligent dogs take to obedience training and house training much faster than other dogs. Secondly, it is their intelligence that makes German Shepherds such effective guard dogs for homes. Unlike many other dogs, they can easily discern friend from foe and alert you if there is an issue. Why do you think so many German Shepherds are used by police forces across the world for helping to prevent a wide variety of crimes?

• Activities Partner

%3Cbr%3E

As German shepherds puppies breeders can tell you, this beautiful type of dog was originally raised to help its masters in the field with work. Since that time, of course, shepherding has become much less common in the United States. However, according to RescueGroups.org, these wonderful canines have kept their desire to be active. If you like to run, bike, or hike, you will find a willing activities partner in your German Shepherd.

As you can see, their intelligence, energy, and loyalty makes the German Shepherd a wonderful choice for families. In 1913, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America was formed with 26 charter members. Their popularity has only grown since then. The German Shepherd was rated the second highest breed in both 2011 and 2012, only coming behind the Labrador Retriever. Clearly, these dogs are an amazing choice for your family. Contact German Shepherd breeders to find the pup that is right for you.