Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please and are quick learners.
Their work ethic and dedication ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to assist in security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They also require 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 foundation dogs that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
In the second half of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. schäferhund welpe kaufen were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits are what make the breed famous today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 90% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a popular family pet, as well as one of the top working dogs for military and police. They make excellent pets and companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
You will find many different German Shepherds in the world because of their variety and acclaim. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure you are, ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan color. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high, while females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be straight and broad, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and pups. He or she can also determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be taken as an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base and have pointed tips that droop slightly when at 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 drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing abilities.
GSDs, being larger breeds are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, condition where the stomach twists and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or falls and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb steps or jump and a hunched back. discomfort 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 avoid eating table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is okay every now and then but if you overdo it, it could strip the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.