Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are active and require ample space to exercise. They require 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 ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few 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.
During the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed popular today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command given in 95% of cases.
These same traits also make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run up 30 miles per hour.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure then consult your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. blaue schäferhunde will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their honesty.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training which makes them fast learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely accept strangers who aren't danger.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in military and police work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They possess a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight, level back that is only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs suggest an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for life as a pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered an indication of danger. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are wide and straight at the base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities like herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and security training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may lead them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. Despite these impressive talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes during every examination for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slip, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is fine from time to time but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.