A Comprehensive Guide To Purebred German Shepherd From Start To Finish
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help with security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, physically as well as mentally. Then, at the dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding animal should be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed popular today. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds master tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.
These same traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they can be great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.
There are many German Shepherds around the globe due to their variety and popularity. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure then consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a powerful prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They're typically shy of strangers and other dogs However, with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square, with an even, straight back that's only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and puppies. They will also be able to inform you if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it should be interpreted as an indication. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when being held.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities, such as herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different conditions. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as 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. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their remarkable capabilities.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on 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 immediately.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can take away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.