Description:
Ritzi is a lovely silver and tan Shepherd mix. He is as sharp as a tac and gets along well with all the dogs at the dog park. Oh, and did I mention that he likes to run? One of our volunteers took him on a 6 mile run and he did great (good thing he didn't take me!).

Update 06/26/2008 Ritzi is an awesome guy and is a gentle giant! I just love this dog! He is crate trained and will only bark when he needs something like water or to go outside. He does well on a leash and hardly pulls me! This beautiful guy desreves a wonderful home and all the lovin that he can get!


***According to dogbreedinfo.com, in April 1899, Capt. Max von Stephanitz registered a dog named Horan as the first Deutsche Schà¤ferhunde, 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.