Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that met his criteria, physically as well as mentally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was named 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 in the second half of 19th century. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a research study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five times and follow the first command 95% of the time.
These same traits also make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds in the world because of their versatility and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive coat of black and tan. click through the following website weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high, while females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be an threat.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, so making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They're generally cautious of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square with a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and pups. He or she can inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready for a life as a family pet.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this is an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when they are at rest.
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, spot bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.
As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Many here ditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you should 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 healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can remove the natural oils that keep their coat healthy and shiny.