Purebred German Shepherd 101: Your Ultimate Guide For Beginners
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are lively and require plenty of room to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria physically and emotionally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second half of the 19th century, breeders worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds master tasks in just five times and follow the first command 95% of the time.
These traits make this breed a favorite family pet, as well as one of the best working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those 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.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the globe due to their versatility and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not certain. Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen are knowledgeable of the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be an threat.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They possess a remarkably 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.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs suggest poor 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, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they could use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she will also be able to determine if the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others it should be taken as a warning signal. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long 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 the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are large and straight at the base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog that can be employed to help herd, search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training in protection. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slip and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is okay from time to time but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.