Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared to be 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 worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command at least 95% of the time.
These same traits also make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a popular family pet. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with 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 stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
You will find many different German Shepherds in the globe due to their variety and popularity. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most 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 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 will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder to work with you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and pups. They will also be able inform you if the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive 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 timid than others, it should be interpreted as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady 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 liver, blue or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and join in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are wide and erect at their base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be used to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and instincts can even lead them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
As reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen that is larger, GSDs are 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 get older. A healthy breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is a condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes during every exam for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is okay from time to time but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.