Why Purebred German Shepherd Could Be Your Next Big Obsession
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and are quick learners.
Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help in security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards physically and in temperament. Then, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several 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).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds master tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command given 95% of the time.
These traits also make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly socialized and trained they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them very adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you aren't sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their honesty.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. While they may look 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 highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques, making them quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess an extremely strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for households with pets.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally wary of strangers or 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 a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have a straight, level back that's just slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicates 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 well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and pups. He or she can inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others this should be taken as an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks, such as herding as well as search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite try here , as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
GSDs, as larger breeds are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease that is immune-mediated and 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 last is when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is acceptable every now and then but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.