These Are Myths And Facts Behind Purebred German Shepherd
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.
Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help in security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin
In the late 1800s 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 would meet his requirements physically and temperamentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with 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 during the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with only five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95% of the times.
These same 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 can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, while females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but will likely accept strangers who aren't an threat.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other animals is crucial.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They're generally cautious of other dogs and strangers However, through early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to play with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its height and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of 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, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and pups. was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund will also be able to determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as a family member.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when being held.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities including herding or searching and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their amazing abilities.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes during every visit for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb steps or jump and a hunched back. pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is okay every now and then but excessively doing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.