Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help with security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed 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 to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.
The same traits make this breed one of the best police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly adept at training. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of 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 to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females tend to be smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. While they may appear 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 intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who don't pose an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work and excel in military and police duty, as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically shy of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven 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 have an unwavering loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder can discuss the background of the parents and puppies. They can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when being held.
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 black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the base and have pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be used to help herd or search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different conditions. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their strong work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, as larger breeds are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas 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 attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
A variety of hereditary and schäferhunde suchen Ein zuhause inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.