Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and quick learners.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and can be trained to help in security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident and 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 him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command at least 95% of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a popular family pet and one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people 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 due to their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense 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 quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty, as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, so making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They're typically cautious of strangers and other dogs However, with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to play with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square, with a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. url are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods like digging or chewing.
When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. They can determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others, this should be considered an indication of danger. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long 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 meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base and have pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to herd or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to flourish in a variety of environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their dedication to work and instincts could lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing talents.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes during every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system 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 cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.