Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
In the second half of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed popular in the present. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.
The same traits make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are usually shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
You will find many different German Shepherds all over the world because of their variety and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family members. However, reinrassiger schäferhund 'll accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police tasks, as well as service dogs for the handicapped. They possess a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They're generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an insufficient structural alignment. reinrassiger schäferhund -built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they may use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder can discuss the history of the parents and puppies. He or she can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a pet for the family.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when being 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 dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks like herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different situations. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular vet exams can help reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can take away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.