Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that matched his requirements physically and mentally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. 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 should be. Hektor was declared to be 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 preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.
The same traits make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, as well as a popular family pet. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally extremely intelligent and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.
There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are generally cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate 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, curious dogs who are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder select a person who is passionate about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. They can also tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for life as a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is more timid, it should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when being taken up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and join in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are large and erect at the base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks like herding or searching and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety different circumstances. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in sporting competition, advanced obedience, and training for protection. Their work ethic and innate instincts may make them suitable for search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are at risk of Bloat, condition where the stomach twists and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes on every visit for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
In addition, like most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can remove the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.