Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
In the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits still make the breed popular in the present. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a popular pet for the family, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.
There are many German Shepherds in the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you aren't sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police tasks, as well as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess an extremely strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be large and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. He or she will also be able determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is more timid, it should be taken as a warning. Additionally, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are wide and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, spot bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different situations. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also evaluate their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb steps or jump and a hunched back. pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can take away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.