Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.
Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to help with security. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to develop 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 foundation stocks that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the 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 ideal of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
In the second period of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with only five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95% of the times.
These traits also make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely adept at training. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to identify, especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not sure. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate a reputable 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 will give you more confidence about their integrity.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious stare. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.
They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have a powerful prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They're generally cautious of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be wide and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of 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 that are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has a thorough knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and puppies. They can also determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. 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 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 or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are large and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen is a flexible dog and can be used to help herd, search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different conditions. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel 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 amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, being larger breeds are more prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can take away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.