Purebred German Shepherd Tools To Help You Manage Your Day-To-Day Life
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their work ethic and dedication ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to assist in security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800, 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 dog that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and temperamentally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed fanciers 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 characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for the family, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are generally 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 may become anxious or stressed.
german shepherd kaufen are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, making them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
There are a variety of German Shepherds around the world because of their versatility and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure you are, ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are capable of helping you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ear and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are extremely intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family 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 agile, powerful dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty, as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for households with pets.
If properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are usually cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest 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 and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and puppies. He or she will inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are broad and erect at the base with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways including herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different situations. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel at competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their dedication to work and instincts can even make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
GSDs, being larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply 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 long, thick, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or falls, 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 need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can take away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.