German shepherds are the most fascinating and intimidating dog breeds on this planet. German shepherds have an intense look but are friendly and faithful to their owners. They sniff out enemies easily and have the intuitiveness to differentiate between friends and enemies. German shepherds are law enforcement material due to the culmination of various qualities it possesses. They have a proven track record of aiding law enforcement in search parties and rescue operations. Therefore, they are part of the K9 groups in various countries, law enforcement, or the military. Before understanding why German shepherds make good police dogs, it is important to understand its history to gauge their personality and quality.
Origin Of German Shepherd Dogs
As their name suggests, German shepherd dogs (GSD) originate from Germany. They began gaining popularity post 18th century. The instinct of a GSD has docile characteristics and was used for sheep herding. They were guardians of the farms responsible for keeping predators away and taking care of the flocks. The idea of a German shepherd as a pet was not famous in the 18th century. Farmers considered them as servants or protectors of the farm. Hence, a GSD’s natural instinct is to protect the vulnerable from predators and, in the present time, against criminals or criminal activity. World War I instigated the popularity of German shepherds in Germany, which then brought it into the world’s spotlight.
German Shepherd’s Physical Characteristics
The difference between the female or the male German shepherd in terms of physical endurance is minimal. They have an average weight of around 75 to 95 lbs. Furthermore, they have an average height of about 23 to 25 inches. They have an average life span of 10 to 12 years. Therefore, they have good physical endurance and are well-muscled dogs. Another characteristic of a GSD is its angular hind legs. The angular nature is responsible for giving a kick-start for GSDs to run faster by forcing the body towards the ground like a suspension. Hence, they are also agile and have a good balance of their body.
Qualities That Make German Shepherd Law Enforcement Material
German shepherd dogs make good law enforcement material because of various qualities. German shepherd dogs are extremely intelligent from other dog breeds. They have very good stamina and endurance, making them capable of working for long hours without exhaustion. Hence, they are ideal in rescue missions or explosive searches. They are biologically wired to be protective due to herd habitat. Overall, they are an athletic and agile breed. Their physical make-up helps them develop an above-average strength with calm nerve characteristics. German shepherds are the most loyal creatures and develop a strong relationship with their masters.
