10 Purebred German Shepherd Tips All Experts Recommend
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethics. They can be trained for security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in herding abilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, physically and mentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor german shepherd life expectancy Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
In the second half of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed popular today. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five times and follow the first command given at least 95% of the time.
These traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly socialized and trained they can be great companions for children and other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
Due to their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for 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 reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A trained german shepherd kaufen Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are extremely intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques, making them quick learners. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who don't pose an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other pets is important.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving, and incredibly obedient companions. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs with 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 size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be large and square, schäFerhunde suchen ein zuhause with an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter; linked website, mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents and puppies. He or she can inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be interpreted as a warning. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong 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 should be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are large and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the entire world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different situations. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also evaluate their eyes at every exam for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if 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 is when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump and a hunched back. pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Welpe which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.