Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help with security. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his standards physically and temperamentally. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs 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 perfectly met Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed famous today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.
These same traits also make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They tend to be shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you aren't sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high, while females tend to be smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-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 essential to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't an threat.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment with plenty of positive interactions with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful without being too eager to please. deutscher schäferhund pflege have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as a family member.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others this is an indication. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when being held.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base and have pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to help herd as well as search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their work ethic and instincts can even inspire them to missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their impressive talents.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are 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. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.