Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter are intelligent and eager to please.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are active and require plenty of room to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature 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 foundation dogs that matched his requirements both physically as well as mentally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of 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. 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 enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the best working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are excellent companions for children and other pets. They are usually cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new environments and may become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally very smart and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure you are, ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high and females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but will likely accept strangers who aren't considered to be an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in police and military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with pets.
If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are typically shy of other dogs and strangers However, with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is committed to the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she can also inform you if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others this is 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 the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base, with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks like herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, 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 incredibly resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and security training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect 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 disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable occasionally, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.