Five Purebred German Shepherd Lessons From The Professionals
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally watchful of family members and are able to help with security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
In the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.
The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for families and one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they can be 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 may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely trainable. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are in a position to assist you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're considering purchasing 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 many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a sharp stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty, as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a powerful prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of socialization for other animals is crucial.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square with an even, straight back that is only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. her comment is here -constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior 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 background of the parents and the puppies. He or she will also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen is more timid than the others this should be interpreted as a warning. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and 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 have a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base and have pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways including herding or searching and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality 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. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts could inspire them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is 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 one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is okay every now and then, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.