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 due to their solid work ethics. They can be trained for security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund require early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is 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 perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed 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).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for families, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are usually cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, making them highly capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if are not certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying 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 are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be danger.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a powerful prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of interactions with other pets is essential.
If properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They're generally wary of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the background of the parents and puppies. They will also be able determine if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can droop a little when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may lead them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their remarkable abilities.
GSDs, being larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to 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 condition that can cause blindness if not treated immediately.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can take away the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.