Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart, eager to please, and quick learners.
They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require plenty of room to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few 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).
During the second period of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five times and follow the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.
The same traits make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and easily.
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 many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be danger.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military 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 socialization for other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but 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 with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be large and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of 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 and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and puppies. He or she can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be interpreted as a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be employed to help herd or search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial 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 are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes at every examination for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. Related Home Page of IVDD are an inability to climb steps or jump and a hunched back. pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then however, too much of it can take away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.