Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.
Their work ethic and dedication ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help with security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, physically and mentally. At the dog show in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed popular today. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command in 95% of cases.
These traits make this breed a favorite pet for the family and one of the top working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. entzückendescäferhundwelpen that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new environments and may become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.
Due to their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure then consult your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying 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 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 purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, however they'll most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they don't pose a threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for households with pets.
If properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder to work with you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she will also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others and is more timid, it is a warning. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be employed to herd as well as search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, as a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes at every exam 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, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or falls and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is okay every now and then but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.