What Is Purebred German Shepherd And How To Utilize It
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in herding abilities. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements -- both physically and in temperament. 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 matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
In the second half of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command that is given 95% of the time.
These traits make this breed a favorite pet for families and one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly socialized and trained they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz for assistance identifying the breed if you aren't certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are usually cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square with an even, straight back that's just slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. They can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as a pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base with pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different situations. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their amazing talents.
As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could 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 disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine may break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the 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 growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep a healthy and clean appearance. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.