Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed 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 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits are what make the breed famous in the present. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95percent of the time.
These traits make this breed a favorite pet for the family and one of the top working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They tend to be shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
There are a variety of German Shepherds around the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you aren't sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and efficiently.
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Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall and females tend to be smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, straight ears and a sharp stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in military and police 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 making sure they are in a secure area 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 obedient pet companions. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to play with other pets.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square with a straight, level back that's only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates 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 and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder to work with you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder can discuss the history of the parents and puppies. They will also be able tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as a family pet.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be an indication of danger. Also, a great German Shepherd should have 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 not acceptable). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways including herding as well as search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of 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 have a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different conditions. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If untreated, bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes during every examination for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases 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 disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or falls and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is acceptable every now and then but excessively doing it can take away the natural oils that keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.