Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally watchful of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are very active and require ample space for exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements -- both physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's idea 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 during the second half 19th century. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a popular pet for families, as well as one of the top working dogs for police and military. These dogs make great pets and companions for children if they're properly trained and socialized. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.
Because of 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 trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.
A 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 and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they don't pose an threat.
deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung , powerful dogs excel at police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for the handicapped. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for households with other pets.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the withers 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 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 are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is committed to the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and pups. They can also determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be taken 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 long and strong with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are large and straight at the base with pointed tips. They can droop a little when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be employed to assist in herding or search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the entire world. It is important to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing abilities.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.