10 Healthy Purebred German Shepherd Habits
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed ought to be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
During the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits are what make the breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.
These traits also make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a popular family pet. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure then ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. Although they can 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 very intelligent. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but will likely accept strangers who aren't a threat.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty, as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
If you 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 and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder for your dog select a person 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 the parents and the puppies. They will also be able to determine if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as a family pet.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks including herding, search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and upbringing.
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 also excel in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are at risk of Bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes during every examination for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an 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 table foods, which can contribute to weight increase 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 strip the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.