Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are energetic, and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become 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 foundation dogs that met his requirements, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should 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).
reinrassiger schäferhund began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five times and follow the first command given in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed a popular family pet, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. They are generally shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.
There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the globe due to their versatility and acclaim. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you are not sure. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan color. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is essential to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will guard their family. However, they will accept 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 police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved back or excessive 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 fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and pups. He or she will also be able to determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others this should be interpreted as an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should have 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 should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are not acceptable). 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 broad and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to herd as well as search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive 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 adept in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, being a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Due to their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes at every exam for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can take away the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.