Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the 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 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, breed enthusiasts were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed famous today. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions, and they obey the first command given 95% of the time.
These traits make this breed a favorite pet for families and one of the best working dogs for military and police. These dogs make great pets and are great companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
Due to their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if aren't sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are in a position to assist you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization is vital to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. 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 and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too 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 in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she can also tell you 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 life as an adult member of the family.
review should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it is an indication. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being held.
The muzzle is strong and long 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 not acceptable). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base, with pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to herd or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it 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 extremely resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they age. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is a condition in which the stomach expands and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or falls and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb stairs or jump, a hunched back, 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 table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is fine from time to time but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.