15 Shocking Facts About Purebred German Shepherd That You Didn't Know About
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please.
Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to help with security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met 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 during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits are what make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command 95% of the time.
These same traits also make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. These dogs are great pets and are great companions for children if they're properly trained and socialized. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely adept at training. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.
Because of their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. 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 unsure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are capable of helping you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense gaze. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training techniques, making them quick learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will guard their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are typically wary of strangers and other dogs However, through early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to play with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs suggest 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, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder for your dog, choose someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for life as a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be interpreted as an indication. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when taken up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at the base, with pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities like herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different circumstances. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. entzückendescäferhundwelpen , like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing capabilities.
GSDs, as a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. Responsible breeding and regular vet exams can help reduce the impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated quickly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can strip away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.