Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help in security. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident 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 herding abilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed ought to 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).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed popular in the present. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command 95% of the time.
These traits also make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They tend to be reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are generally extremely smart and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females tend to be smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious stare. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty, as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are generally cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd look for a head shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates 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, curious dogs who are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them an excellent 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 adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and puppies. They will also be able determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be pet for the family.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others and is more timid, it is an indication. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and 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 or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base, with pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be used to herd or search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is fine every now and then, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.