Purebred German Shepherd Tips From The Best In The Business
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethics. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic, and need plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and emotionally. At an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. 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 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 her comment is here of the 19th century, breed fanciers worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for families and one of the top working dogs for military and police. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. They tend to be shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people 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 protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure, ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, 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. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but they will likely accept strangers who don't pose danger.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for households with pets.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. They can also inform you if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning signal. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent 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 should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base, with pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities including herding or searching and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
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 are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their remarkable capabilities.
GSDs, being a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they age. Regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is fine occasionally, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.