Learn What Purebred German Shepherd Tricks The Celebs Are Using
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into 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 ability to herd. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. Then, at schäferhund baby kaufen for dogs in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog ought to 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 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits still make the breed famous in the present. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.
These same traits also make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are usually cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become 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 intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
There are many German Shepherds in the world because of their variety and acclaim. The breed's distinctive features are easy to identify, especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure, ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Socialization is essential for their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will watch over their family members. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They're typically shy of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she will also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning sign. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when 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, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base, with pointed tips that may be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog that can be employed to help herd, search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their impact.
German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slip and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable every now and then but if you overdo it, it could strip the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.