Purebred German Shepherd 101: Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are energetic and need plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in herding abilities. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of 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).
In the second half of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if are not certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a sharp stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as confident, well-mannered family 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 agile, powerful dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able 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 the dog's height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. 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 that are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. They can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If schäferhund welpe kaufen hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as a pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it is an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grasp when being taken up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at their base and have pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to herd or search and rescue, spot bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. Keep them 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 not treated immediately.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable occasionally but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.