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.
They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation stocks that matched his requirements physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for 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).
During the second part of the 19th century, breed fanciers were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command given at least 95% of the time.
These traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, as well as a popular family pet. If properly socialized and trained they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are usually cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them very trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their variety and acclaim. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if are not sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 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 ferocious gaze. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is essential to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically wary of strangers or blaue schäferhunde (entzckendescferhundwelpen-wec35d.De) other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a head shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that's just slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being too 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 challenge them mentally and physically. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of the parents and puppies. They can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the 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.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning sign. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grasp when being taken up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They can droop a little when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is employed in a variety of different tasks like herding, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. 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 dedication to work and innate instincts may make them suitable for missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their remarkable talents.
GSDs, being a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they age. Responsible breeding and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes during every examination for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slip, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with most dogs you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable occasionally, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.