Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are smart, eager to please, and are quick learners.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and can be trained to assist in security. Süßer Deutscher Schäferhund are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature 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 a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product 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 many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.
These traits also make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. These dogs are great pets and are great companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they're not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if are not certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be a threat.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square and have a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of 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 inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is more timid, it should be interpreted as an indication. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being taken up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it 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 have high levels of resilience and are able to 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 work ethic and instincts could lead them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their remarkable talents.
GSDs, being larger breeds are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight growth 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 overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.