Alsatian

Also known as a “German Shepherd”, this working dog is one of the most well-known and recognizable breeds. The Alsatian is incredibly intelligent and is capable of just about any task that you train it to perform. These pups will be as loyal as they come toward their owners and will always be ready to protect them at all costs. While notorious for police/military work such as searching for drugs, these dogs are also commonly used as guidance/therapy dogs. In recent history, the German Shepherd became especially famous for bravely searching through the ruins after the 9/11 attacks to assist in locating survivors. 

This powerful dog was originally bred in Germany in 1899 for herding flocks all day. German shepherds, like other working dogs, thrive on having a job to do-any job. They are highly energetic, and if not given enough exercise they will become bored...and let’s just say your favorite pair of shoes won’t be in good shape! The Alsatian especially enjoys the outdoors and will love going on long hikes with their people, making them very well suited for an owner that loves going on adventures with their fur friend. 

Unfortunately, these dogs often develop the hereditary condition known as Hip Dysplasia. This condition is a result of the femur not fitting snugly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. This improper fit results in grinding of the joints which leads them to deteriorate. This can cause these dogs a lot of discomfort, especially in their older age. 

These pups make incredible companion dogs as well, they will love doing activities with their people and will quickly become your new best friend. Their amazing personalities are the reason why they are among the most popular dog breeds. If you are a thief, it is probably not in your best interest to enter an enclosure guarded by a German Shepherd. Weighing up to 95 pounds of pure muscle, this animal is absolutely fearless and will not shy away from protecting its territory. Their heavy bark alone is enough to send any intruder running out the door wishing they had stayed in college.