Description:
Patriot is a very handsome German Shepherd mix. He was found by one of our friends who knew from his tags that he'd been adopted through Orange County Animal Control. They were able to get in touch with his owners who told them that they'd given him away because their children turned out to have dog allergies. The new owners did not want him back. Gosh, that breaks my heart! You know, that is why we can be a pill when it comes to screening people for our pets. We want to make sure that not only is it the right person for the right pet, but that the person truly understands what it means to be responsible for a pet and is committed to it. I mean, look at poor Patriot ~ less than one year old and he has already been in at least two homes and two animal shelters! No more ~ the next family will be committed to our little guy!

***According to dogbreedinfo.com, in April 1899, Capt. Max von Stephanitz registered a dog named Horan as the first Deutsche Schäferhunde, which means German Shepherd Dog in English. Known for their tremendous loyalty and courage, they are calmly confident, but not hostile. This breed needs his people and should not be left isolated for long periods of time. They only bark when it is necessary.

Serious and almost human in his intelligence, they have a high learning ability. The breed is so intelligent and learns so readily that it has been used as a sheepdog, guard dog, in police work, as a guide for the blind, in search and rescue service, and in the military. The German Shepherd also excels in many other dog activities including schutzhund, tracking, obedience, agility, flyball, and ring sport. His fine nose can sniff out drugs and intruders, and can alert handlers to the presence of underground mines in time to avoid detonation, or gas leaks in a pipes buried 15 feet underground.

A quick daily brushing is best unless hair in the house is not a problem. They should be bathed rarely, only once or twice a year to avoid skin oil depletion. Shepherds have a life expectancy around 13 years.