Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please and are quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethics. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, physically as well as mentally. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed 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 these traits continue to make the breed popular today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for families, as well as one of the top working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, which makes them extremely adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.
Due to their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ear and an intense stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is vital to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty, as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.
If properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are generally 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 well-chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square and have an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an insufficient 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 obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is enthusiastic about 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. He or she will also be able to inform you if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it should be taken as a warning. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when 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 liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. this post are erect and wide at their base, with pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used for many different activities like herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety different conditions. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and security training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts could lead them to 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 capabilities.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, condition where the stomach expands and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes at every visit for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that 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 jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable from time to time but if you overdo it, it could strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.