Purebred German Shepherd Tips From The Best In The Business

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to help with security. They are lively and require plenty of room to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s 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 foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz’s vision of what a herding animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz’s attention. And those traits still make the breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.

The same traits make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are usually cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

There are many German Shepherds in the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you’re unsure, ask your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you’re considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it’s important that you choose 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 give you additional assurances of their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. While they may look intimidating, Deutschen schäferhund kaufen a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They’re natural guardians and watchful over their families, but they will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren’t considered to be a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in police and military duty, as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods like digging or chewing.

When choosing a dog breeder select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. He or she can inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn’t socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be interpreted as a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when taken 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, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base and have pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be employed to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety different situations. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may lead them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their impressive capabilities.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.

German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes during every examination for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand’s Disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you’ll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It’s okay to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can strip away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.