Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements physically and temperamentally. At the dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed ought to 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 during the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds master tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command 95% of the time.
These traits also make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They tend to be shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, making them extremely trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.
There are a variety of German Shepherds in the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if aren't certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 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 erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. 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 regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs with 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 the dog's size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful without being too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe Süßer Deutscher Schäferhund are not sufficiently stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and puppies. He or she will inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as a family member.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities, such as herding or searching and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. This flexibility is what makes it one of 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 significantly affected by their training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different conditions. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, being larger breeds, are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, condition where the stomach expands and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease 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 blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable every now and then but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.