Kole pauses while going for a walk with his owners on a trail near his home in Syracuse, N.Y., Jan. 22, 2016. German Shepherd Dogs, like Kole, have two durable coats making them perfectly comfortable in cold weather.
While out walking on a trail near his home in Syracuse, N.Y., Kole, a German Shepherd Dog, looks for and reacts to wild animals as the sun sets April 18, 2016.
Kole, an all-black German Shepherd Dog (GSD), snuggles into his owner 's leg while the pair watched a sunrise in Syracuse, N.Y., Dec. 6, 2015. GSDs, while common as working dogs, are one of the most popular breeds in the U.S.
Kole reacts to sounds of movement across a seemingly empty field just after sunset Dec. 11, 2015.
Kole rests on the couch at home in Syracuse, N.Y., Nov. 29, 2015. According to the American Vetinary Medical Foundation, dogs account for 36% of the household pets in the U.S.
Kole chews on a hollow bone filled with peanut butter at home on Nov. 28, 2015.
Kole retrieves a toy thrown by his owner Dec. 24, 2015. Proper exercise and help prevent joint problems common to large working dog breeds like Kole.
Kole, an all-black German Shepherd Dog, serves as a guard at the entrance to his home in Syracuse, N.Y. At night, all-black dogs like Kole can be hard to see, until they warn potential intruders.
Kole retrieves an extra-large tennis ball while out playing. For large dogs, regular-sized tennis balls or other toys can be a choking hazard.
Kole drops his ball at the feet of his owner to throw again while playing fetch.
Kole runs through several inches of snow on a trail Jan. 22, 2016. Whenever it snows, Kole gets excited to play in the cold white powder.
German Shepherd Dogs are highly intelligent canines, able to serve in multiple working capacities in protection, search & rescue, or detection.
German Shepherd Dogs are large yet agile canines originally from herding lines.
Kole returns a toy while playing in the neighborhood dog park Nov. 25, 2015. A central area for dogs to play together is important for socialization among the animals.
Kole yawns late at night Aug. 20, 2015.