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 makes them naturally watchful of family members and are able to help in security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.
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In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his requirements -- both physically and emotionally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he saw a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog 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).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds master tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a popular pet for families and one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. If properly socialized and trained they make great companions for children and other pets. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds in the globe due to their variety and popularity. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure, consult your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying 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 many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Socialization is vital in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't an threat.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interaction with other animals is crucial.
reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square, with an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors like 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 reliable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she can inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). 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 and have pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog and can be employed to help herd or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, being a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed 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 jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can take away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.