Why Purebred German Shepherd Is Your Next Big Obsession
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to develop into 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 a long time to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog 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 period of the 19th century, breed fanciers were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits still make the breed popular today. For schäferhund beschützerinstinkt , a research study showed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given 95% of the time.
These traits make this breed a favorite pet for families, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. These dogs make great pets and are great companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are usually shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, making them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a 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 find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they don't pose danger.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with pets.
If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving, and incredibly obedient companions. They are generally cautious of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder for your dog, choose someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. They can also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If schäferhund kaufen is not socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be interpreted as an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and 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 join in an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at their base, with pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different situations. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports, advanced obedience, and training for protection. Their dedication to work and instincts can even lead them to missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes during every exam for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off and pressurize the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.