Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please and quick learners.
Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. Finally, at the 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 was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal 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 during the second half 19th century. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a beloved family pet and one of the best working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, making them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
There are many German Shepherds in the world because of their wide range of uses and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure you are, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan colour. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work and excel in military and police duty, as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for households with other pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They're generally shy of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square, with a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and puppies. They can also determine if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning sign. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grasp 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 liver, blue or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can droop a little when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be employed to help herd, search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different conditions. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.
As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach turns, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is fine occasionally but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils which keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.