What Purebred German Shepherd Should Be Your Next Big Obsession
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria physically and emotionally. At an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should 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).
During the second half of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits still make the breed famous today. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command 95% of the time.
These same traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure then consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers 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 purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 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. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the history of the parents and puppies. They can inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is more timid, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when held.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom 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 and can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different conditions. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their work ethic and instincts can even make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Regular vet exams can help reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes on every visit for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is okay from time to time but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.