Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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


Their dedication to work makes them naturally watchful of family members and are able to help in security. They are lively and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to develop into 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 ability to herd. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. At a dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal 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 of the 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.

These same traits also make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They are cautious 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.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them very adept at training. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.

There are a variety of German Shepherds around the world because of their wide range of uses and popularity. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure you are, consult your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.

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

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is vital for their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.

These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They're generally cautious of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate 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 that are loyal and not overly 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 plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has a thorough knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. They will also be able tell you whether the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered an indication of danger. schäferhundwelpen should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being held.

The muzzle is long and strong 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 the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be employed to herd, search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in sporting competition, advanced obedience, and training for protection. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their impressive abilities.

GSDs, being a larger breed are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. Regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.

Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes during every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

As with all dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and again but excessively can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.