Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please and are quick learners.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are active and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with 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 fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command given in 95% of cases.
These traits also make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They tend to be cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, making them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around 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. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you are not sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense gaze. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who don't pose danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in police and military duty, as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other animals is crucial.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are usually wary of strangers or 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 an elongated head that is proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope 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 easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods like digging or chewing.
When choosing a dog breeder select a person who is passionate about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter or she can also inform you if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If click through the following web page is more timid than the others, it should be interpreted as a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and 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 red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth should be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities including herding as well as search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and painful as they get older. Regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes during every exam for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly 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 most dogs you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can remove the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.