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.
Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to assist in security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in herding abilities. Our Web Site took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was finally 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 idea of what a herding dog ought to 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).
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.
These traits also make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, as well as a popular family pet. If properly socialized and trained they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are generally shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
There are many German Shepherds around the globe due to their wide range of uses and acclaim. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are 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. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high and females tend to be smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for households with other pets.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and pups. They can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as a family member.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain 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 are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and join in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be employed to assist in herding or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety different conditions. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their strong work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, being larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is acceptable every now and then, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils which keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.