Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are smart, eager to please, and are quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethic. They can be trained for 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 unmatched. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision 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 fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits still make the breed famous today. For deutscher schäferhund pflege , a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.
The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for families and one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run up 30 miles per hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their variety and popularity. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering 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 many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a stern stare. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.
They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques and are quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in military and police duty, as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with pets.
If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they 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 wedge-shaped head proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square and have a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone 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 pups. He or she can inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be a pet for the family.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are large and straight at the base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog and can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial 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 an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could inspire them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. Regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, condition where the stomach expands and expands, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes at every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.