Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed should be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
During the second half of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. 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 study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.
These same traits also make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally very smart and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.
You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their credibility.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a powerful prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. schäferhund abzugeben are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful without being too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder select a person who is committed to the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. They can also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as a family member.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it is an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom and have pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities including herding, search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. Recommended Reading is the reason why it is among 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 influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different conditions. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, being larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need 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. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable every now and then but excessively doing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.