Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are active and require plenty of room to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his criteria, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met 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).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits are what make the breed popular today. For schäferhundwelpen kaufen , a study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command that is given in 95% of cases.
These traits also make this breed among the best 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 are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. 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 the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training which makes them fast learners. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, but they will likely accept strangers who aren't danger.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interactions with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers, but through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated 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 puppies. He or she can also inform you if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be taken as a warning. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and 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 meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways including herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different situations. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even make them suitable for search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are at risk of Bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable from time to time, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.