Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half 19th century. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a research study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks after only five times and follow the first command given in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed a popular pet for families and one of the top working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
Because of their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. 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 are in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.
They are extremely intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who aren't considered to be danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to 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 typically shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square and have a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. 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 obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. They can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready to be a pet for the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grasp when being taken 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 or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are erect and wide at the base and have pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to herd, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to remember 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 thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these impressive talents like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes at every visit for indications of pannus, 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 cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is fine occasionally but if you overdo it, it could remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.