Adopting Read Homepage , positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and quick learners.
Their work ethic and dedication ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards physically and emotionally. At the dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for 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 fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed famous today. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks with only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. 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 anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely capable of being trained. click through the following website are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan hue. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers However, with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to play with other pets.
When evaluating the German Shepherd's qualities, 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 and have a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate 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 who are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she will also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as pet for the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be interpreted as a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be employed to help herd or search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among 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 affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could lead them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their amazing talents.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact 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 jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can take away the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.