10 Unexpected Purebred German Shepherd Tips
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethics. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and require plenty of room 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 develop a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several 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 enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed famous in the present. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a popular pet for the family and one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. If properly socialized and trained they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
You will find many different German Shepherds in the globe due to their variety and popularity. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you are not certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. reinrassiger schäferhund are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is essential for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be a threat.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of socialization for other animals is crucial.
When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. reinrassiger schäferhund -constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's 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 families and are wary of strangers. This 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 huge yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder for your dog, choose someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and pups. They can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered an indication of danger. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
reinrassiger schäferhund is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be employed to herd or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience and training for protection. Their work ethic and instincts can even inspire them to missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.