Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are energetic, and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to develop 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 years to find foundation stock that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. At the dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able preserve 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 master tasks with only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95percent of the time.
The same traits make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they make great companions for children and other pets. They tend to be reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.
There are many German Shepherds in the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if are not sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females tend to be smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch 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 display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be a threat.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for households with other pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They're typically cautious of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and perfectly 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 suggest an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as a pet for the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at the base with pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. her comment is here is a versatile dog and can be employed to help herd or search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their impact.
Like please click the up coming article , German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long 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 illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.