Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are smart, eager to please, and are quick learners.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to help with security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second half of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits are what make the breed famous today. A study revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.
The same traits make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly trained and socialized they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are usually cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.
There are many German Shepherds all over the globe due to their versatility and acclaim. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will watch over their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are usually cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder choose one 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 will determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for life as a family pet.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be interpreted as a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when 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 or liver colors are not acceptable). use this link must be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are wide and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities like herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off and cause pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. 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 healthy and shiny.