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 and are quick learners.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should 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 fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits are what make the breed famous today. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after just five times and follow the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a popular pet for families, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are generally shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very trainable. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if aren't sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate a reputable 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 credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, straight ear and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will watch over their family. However, navigate to this website 'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many 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 possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are generally cautious of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality, look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of 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 and curious dogs who are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and sceptical 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 plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has a thorough knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. He or she will determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base, with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be employed to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety different circumstances. They make excellent 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 and innate instincts may inspire them to missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are at risk of Bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.