Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are smart, eager to please, and quick learners.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to assist in security. They are active and require ample space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements -- both physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog 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 preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed famous in the present. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.

These traits make this breed a popular pet for the family, as well as one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained they make great companions for children and other pets. They are usually reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.

There are many German Shepherds around the globe due to their wide range of uses and acclaim. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't threaten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.

When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe should be wide and square with a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs suggest poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive with owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a dog breeder, choose 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 history of both the parents and pups. He or she can also inform you if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as a family member.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different circumstances. 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 dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.

As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

Due to their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes during every examination for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.


Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.

In addition, like most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is okay occasionally, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.