Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in herding abilities. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, physically and mentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding animal 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).
In the second period of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed famous today. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new environments and may be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, which makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
You will find many different German Shepherds around the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their honesty.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training which makes them fast learners. Socialization is vital in their development to become confident and well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in military and police work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They're typically shy of other dogs and strangers However, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to have fun with other pets.
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 is well chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They require a lot of exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. He or she will also be able to inform you if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a family pet.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be interpreted as an indication. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base, with pointed tips that may be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to help herd or search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these impressive talents like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed 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 disk disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can remove the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.