Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.

Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally watchful of family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require 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 him years to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog 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).

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same characteristics make this breed a popular pet for the family, as well as one of the best working dogs for military and police. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.

Because of their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally extremely intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find 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 give you more confidence regarding their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 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 erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who aren't considered to be danger.

These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty, as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for SchäFerhund Kaufen those who are disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with 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 perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large 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 driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who 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 a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods 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 will be able to discuss the history of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she will also be able tell you whether the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be taken as a warning. Additionally, a good 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 chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used for many different activities, such as herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their impressive talents.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.

German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes during every visit for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and again however, too much of it can remove the natural oils that keep their coat healthy and shiny.