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.
They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. At a dog show in 1899, he saw a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal 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 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits still make the breed popular today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.
The same traits make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are usually cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally highly sensitive 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.
Due to their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure then consult your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence regarding their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, but will likely accept strangers who don't pose a threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers However, with early socialization and regular positive training, they'll be able to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. schäferhund welpe kaufen curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of the parents and puppies. He or she can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready for life as a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grasp when being taken up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are erect and wide at the base and have pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to herd as well as search and rescue, spot bombs and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the 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 are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in competitive dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their impressive abilities.
GSDs, being larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slip and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods that can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep a healthy and clean appearance. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.