Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are smart, eager to please, and quick learners.

They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. At the dog show in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed popular in the present. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.

These same traits also make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly trained and socialized they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.

Due to their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police tasks, as well as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, so making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.

If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.

If entzückendescäferhundwelpen are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or 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, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle 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 when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods like digging or chewing.

When choosing a dog breeder select a person who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. They will also be able determine if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as a family pet.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others it should be taken as an indication of danger. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to herd, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the entire world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a 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. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are at risk of the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes on every exam for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.


Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). 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. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is okay occasionally but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.