{"id":12472,"date":"2023-03-27T14:56:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T14:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/?p=12472"},"modified":"2023-03-29T06:13:16","modified_gmt":"2023-03-29T06:13:16","slug":"how-smart-are-german-shepherds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/how-smart-are-german-shepherds\/","title":{"rendered":"How Smart Are German Shepherds?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>German Shepherds have been considered one of the <strong>best companions<\/strong> since time immemorial. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Not only are they known to be <strong>incredibly supportive<\/strong> to their owners, but their intelligence has come to use for humans on multiple occasions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Known to be full of strength, agility, and an <strong>indomitable spirit<\/strong>, they make for excellent services dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as wolf dogs, their <strong>extreme discipline<\/strong> and smartness added by their royal appearance make them a popular choice for service and households alike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be surprising for some to know exactly&nbsp;<strong>how smart are GSD<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"698\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-9.jpg\" alt=\"How Smart Are German Shepherds\" class=\"wp-image-5605\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-9.jpg 698w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-9-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-9-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-9-630x420.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Brief History of German Shepherds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In the late 1880s, a breeder <strong>Max Stephanitz<\/strong> was charmed by a wolf-like dog at a dog show in Germany. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He decided to purchase the dog and <strong>started a dog\u2019s club<\/strong> dealing exclusively with the guidelines for the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.akc.org\/dog-breeds\/german-shepherd-dog\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">German shepherd breed\u2019s standard<\/a><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After a stage of rapid <strong>industrialization<\/strong> in Germany, Max decided to increase the dog\u2019s utility by extending their exposure to police and other services to <strong>maintain relevance<\/strong> and secure their requirement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During World War I, German shepherds were used for a <strong>range of important purposes<\/strong>, such as bringing first aid for <strong>wounded soldiers<\/strong>, as well as working in the capacity of therapy dogs for injured soldiers to <strong>keep them company<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the apparent <strong>position of guard dogs<\/strong> to delivering messages, they didn\u2019t cease to impress Americans as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When Americans realized&nbsp;<strong>how smart are GSD<\/strong>, they brought them to their home country where they gained wide popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/teacup-yorkie\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">You Cannot Miss Out On These Facts About Teacup Yorkie<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/teacup-chihuahua\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Amazing Facts About Teacup Chihuahua<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/teacup-shih-tzu-dog\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">12 Amazing Facts About The Teacup Shih Tzu Dog<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Smartest Breed in the World<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Although studies show that <strong>Border collies<\/strong> and poodles <strong>rank higher<\/strong> than German shepherds in the <strong>intelligence department<\/strong>, it has been widely accepted that it is German shepherds who are the <strong>more trainable among the breeds<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Considered to have a \u2018sharp\u2019 mind, they have <strong>high memory retention<\/strong> and ability to remember words of <strong>importance and commands<\/strong> better than other breeds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Any tricks that might be <strong>taught to German shepherds<\/strong> shall easily stay with them, and they are incredibly attentive and logical and are <strong>hence trained<\/strong> as sheepherders as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This, however, is a thing of the past now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"698\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-3.jpg\" alt=\"How Smart Are German Shepherds\" class=\"wp-image-5599\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-3.jpg 698w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-3-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-3-630x420.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tireless Workers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>German Shepherds <strong>found initial roots<\/strong> in the warzone. Hence they have been bred to be <strong>highly smart and athletic<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, they are some of the <strong>most natural breeds<\/strong> to train and work tirelessly round the clock. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To date, used in police service, as <strong>watchdogs and guard dogs<\/strong>, they are still trained to be messengers as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reservoirs of energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>German Shepherds are a highly <strong>energetic breed<\/strong> and need to continually work to thrive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They have stricter work <strong>ethics than most humans<\/strong> and hence need challenging tasks to keep them <strong>occupied and happy<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With volcanic energy <strong>levels and breeding<\/strong> is done through generations of ancestors, who were used to working in the<strong> grueling war environment<\/strong>, or herding and guarding animals in <strong>cruel weather conditions<\/strong>, these dogs are tough.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are hence <strong>favored for tough<\/strong>, field jobs such as <strong>sniffing and finding<\/strong> out contraband, apprehending <strong>criminals<\/strong>, helping with various police jobs, guarding as well as helping out survivors in <strong>case of disasters<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are suited for such activities and perform them to the <strong>best of their capability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protective Instincts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the hallmarks of&nbsp;<strong>how smart are German Shepherds&nbsp;<\/strong>is their protective nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Their topmost priority is keeping the <strong>people around them safe<\/strong>, and they can act on this in whichever way possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is essential that they are <a href=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/how-to-train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-be-a-guard-dog\/\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/how-to-train-a-german-shepherd-puppy-to-be-a-guard-dog\/\">trained right from puppyhood<\/a> and properly socialized to make them comfortable around other people, <strong>especially strangers<\/strong>, because it is inherent in their breed to see a <strong>threat in all strangers<\/strong> and a need to protect their<strong> loved ones against them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This trait of theirs is <strong>often touted<\/strong> to make them look like an extremely <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/aggressive-dog-breeds\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">aggressive breed<\/a><\/strong>, one to be highly scared of. However, this is not true. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How a <strong>dog behaves is greatly affected<\/strong> by the training it receives, the <strong>socialization it gets, <\/strong>the way it is treated right from puppyhood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, it is essential to understand that right in the <strong>former years of their life.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"698\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-6.jpg\" alt=\"How Smart Are German Shepherds\" class=\"wp-image-5602\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-6.jpg 698w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-6-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-6-630x420.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Obedience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>German Shepherds are great learners and <strong>highly focused pets<\/strong>. Once they learn whatever their trainer has set out for them, <strong>they can obey their commands<\/strong> and orders with extreme discipline and focus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That said, every dog, in fact, every human as well takes <strong>some time to assimilate<\/strong> what has been taught to them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar is the case with German shepherds. They can\u2019t be <strong>expected to immediately pay<\/strong> heed to every <strong>command thrown their way<\/strong>, or be expected to obey a \u2018sit\u2019 or \u2018stay\u2019 command right from puppyhood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If taught with consistency and care, they grow up to be <strong>highly obedient dogs<\/strong>, dextrous at multiple things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Adaptive Intelligence<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Adaptive intelligence refers to the ability and skill of the <strong>dog to learn himself<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although there is no test or criteria to test this <strong>kind of intelligence<\/strong>, however, it can be measured based on <strong>problem-solving skills<\/strong> and learning from past experiences which means if a dog has been through a situation before, and is made to experience the same at a <strong>later stage in his life<\/strong>, the way he <strong>behaves shall determine<\/strong> his adaptive intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This, too, in case of German shepherds, is <strong>extremely high<\/strong> as they have been known to be receptive to <strong>outwardly influences<\/strong> in a very intelligent manner, showing<strong> significant signs<\/strong> of seeming to remember past experiences to <strong>learn techniques<\/strong> to get out of a situation or act in a certain way. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This only adds to the already discussed point of&nbsp;<strong>how smart are GSD<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Need for Mental Stimulation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>According to the <strong>already discussed aspects<\/strong>, one can quickly determine that German shepherds are extremely intelligent and hence, can make up for <strong>extremely wholesome<\/strong> companions, service dogs, guard dogs, making them <strong>indispensable domestic animals<\/strong> in several fields. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, they are <strong>smart comes with a catch<\/strong> \u2013 because of their high intelligence levels, they need constant <strong>mental stimulation<\/strong>, or else they may start <strong>channelizing their replete<\/strong> energies towards destructive activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Studies have shown that any <strong>dog primarily breeds<\/strong> like German shepherds, if not given correct levels of <strong>physical exercise<\/strong> and adequate <a href=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/10-ways-to-give-your-dog-more-mental-stimulation\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">mental stimulation<\/a>, can exhibit destructive behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hence, it is <strong>essential to make them indulge<\/strong> in cerebral activities; dog-friendly puzzles, as well as particular stress, should be laid on <a href=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/dog-obedience-training-commands\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">obedience training<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"698\" height=\"465\" src=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-puppy.jpg\" alt=\"How Smart Are German Shepherds\" class=\"wp-image-5607\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-puppy.jpg 698w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-puppy-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-puppy-696x464.jpg 696w, https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/German-Shepherd-puppy-630x420.jpg 630w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 698px) 100vw, 698px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Bottom Line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>German shepherds are a <strong>highly intelligent breed<\/strong>. With a new lineage and hard-working ancestry, it is essential to train them with the help of both <strong>positive and negative reinforcements<\/strong> to make them grow into successful and <strong>versatile dogs<\/strong> that they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While a lot of <strong>their traits are determined by inheritance<\/strong>, they can be taught and learned by them as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is the responsibility of the owner to ensure that <strong>their dog is trained well<\/strong>. The saying \u2018good owners make good dogs\u2019 is true in case of the <strong>upbringing of any dog<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The behavior that they <strong>exhibit when they grow up<\/strong> is greatly determined by the way they <strong>have been treated<\/strong> by their owners throughout their puppyhood and <strong>subsequent years<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One must always remember that <strong>dogs don\u2019t possess<\/strong> as much cognitive intelligence as humans and hence have to <strong>guide through their former years<\/strong>, which shapes them ultimately.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>German Shepherds have been considered one of the best companions since time immemorial. Not only are they known to be incredibly supportive to their owners, but their intelligence has come to use for humans on multiple occasions. Known to be full of strength, agility, and an indomitable spirit, they make for excellent services dogs. Also &#8230; <\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more-container\"><a title=\"How Smart Are German Shepherds?\" class=\"read-more button\" href=\"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/how-smart-are-german-shepherds\/#more-12472\" aria-label=\"Read more about How Smart Are German Shepherds?\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":12531,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3128],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12472"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12472"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12472\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12531"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12472"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12472"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/puppiesclub.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12472"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}