Purebred German Shepherd Strategies From The Top In The Business
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to assist in security. They are very active and require ample space for exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed ought to 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).
altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of the 19th century. They were able preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after just five times and follow the first command given at least 95% of the time.
These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.
There are many German Shepherds around the world because of their variety and acclaim. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting 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 will give you more confidence regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in military and police tasks, as well as service dogs for the handicapped. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for households with other pets.
If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are usually cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is committed to the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip when 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 or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways including herding, search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across 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 are extremely resilient, able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to missions of search and rescue or police work as well as 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 susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes on every visit for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is okay occasionally but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.