Thanks for visiting Sentinel German Shepherds
Sentinel German Shepherds is a small family owned kennel operated by Jon and Jenna Rose. Our Delaware kennel is small and only has a few litters each year. We strive to breed healthy dogs with the best bloodlines in mind. We breed dogs with good temperament and character. We breed to the established SV Standard. Our dogs are West German Show Line German Shepherds. They are black and red in color. Our dogs are raised and socialized in a home environment.
Why Choose Us
- We strive to breed healthy dogs
- We train and work with our dogs in an effort to improve the German Shepherd breed
- We follow strict German guidelines and health testing (SV)
- We have puppies for sale starting at 8 weeks
- Our puppies are raised at home and are well socialized
- We begin to housebreak and kennel train puppies before they arrive at their forever homes
The German Shepherd Dog (GSD)
German Shepherds were founded and bred by Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz in the early 1900s. His desire for herding dogs in Germany is what led him to find the perfect dog. Stephanitz created the first German Shepherd club named: Verein fur deutsche Schäferhunde which set forth the strict guidelines the German Shepherd breed follows. The German Shepherd Dog bloodline is vitally important, and not to be tampered with.
Max Emil Friedrich von Stephanitz pushed for German Shepherds to be used in military work. The German Shepherds were used throughout World War I and World War II. The German Shepherds proved their exceptional abilities in World War I and quickly became the most in demand dog for critical disciplines such as military, police, search and rescue, and as a service animal. They gained worldwide popularity following the movie hits of the time: Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. They have since starred in numerous famous movies.
There are two lines of German Shepherds: working and show. The working line will have a high energy level, high drive, intelligence, and a balanced temperament. The show line is bred to have a medium energy level, calm temperament, intelligence, and a beautiful coat. Of course both lines have a strong innate loyalty.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the German Shepherd Dog.
Height
24-26 inches (male
22-24 inches (female)
Weight
65-90 pounds (male)
50-70 pounds (female)
Life Expectancy
7-10 years
Traits & Characteristics
Family Life
German Shepherds are a great family dog and will become your best friend. German Shepherds are very sweet, intelligent, loyal, protective, and goofy. They will be the most wonderful addition to anyone’s household. German Shepherds grow very strong bonds to their family and will never leave your side.
Like with any dog, it can vary depending on the experiences the dog has had previously. With a puppy, it is encouraged to socialize/train the dog in known, familiar, and controlled settings. Creating a positive environment will help your puppy learn not to be scared or fearful but rather confident and capable of being friendly. German Shepherds excel at building confidence.
Physical
German Shepherds do a main shed twice a year, once in the winter and once in the summer. However they still shed year round. In order to keep shedding to a minimum, it is recommended to brush them about once a week. By doing so, your dog’s coat stays healthy and no more vacuuming than usual is needed.
German Shepherds have a double coat which is around a medium length. German Shepherds can also have long coats as well. Having a double coat is helpful to German Shepherds as it allows them to regulate their body temperature. This means they can stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Never shave a German Shepherd’s coat.
German Shepherds are medium maintenance. They will need the occasional brushing but do not need any haircutting. Cutting a German Shepherd’s hair can impact the way they regulate their body temperature while also resulting in the coat possibly never returning back to its original state. They will need their nails cut every couple of weeks and their teeth brushed often to keep your dog healthy. They do need bathing occasionally but not often as that can dry out their coat and skin.
Behavior
German Shepherds are known for their protective capabilities making them one of the top picks for police and protection work. Due to their protective nature, it is important to understand that your German Shepherd can be loud and noisy. This is normal as barking is a form of protection. They will naturally want to protect the house, people, and the backyard/property line.
Training is the most important thing to do for a dog’s entire life. It is imperative that the puppy gets regular training as soon as they finish their core vaccines. Basic at home training can still occur while the puppy is not fully vaccinated, and is highly recommended. Socializing the dog at a pet friendly store in a cart is one way to safely give your dog exposure to new places, sounds, and people prior to being fully vaccinated. Training the puppy allows them to grow a stronger bond with their owner, become more confident, and less likely to form bad habits or behaviors. German Shepherd Dogs are highly intelligent and learn very quickly. They are capable of learning complex tasks.
West German Showline German Shepherds are considered medium energy level. However, they still need to engage in mentally and physically stimulating activities. Consistent training is important for German Shepherds to keep them healthy. Working them physically daily is recommended by playing fetch, walking, or any other activities you may enjoy. Please note that once their tongue no longer extends to the front and flops to the side, they are ready for a break. A bored dog may become destructive and this behavior is easily remedied by properly managing their energy level.