Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to assist in security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, physically and mentally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog 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).
During the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed popular today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command given at least 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, as well as a popular family pet. These dogs make great pets and companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they're not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, which makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
There are many German Shepherds around the world because of 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're not sure you are, consult your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ear and an intense stare. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Socialization is essential for their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely accept strangers who don't pose an threat.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They have a powerful prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other animals is crucial.
When properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor 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 well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she can also inform you if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when being held.
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 disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are erect and wide at the base and have pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
this post can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to herd, search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as training for 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 are susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes on every examination for indications of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is fine from time to time, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.