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Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are smart, eager to please, and fast learners.

Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help with security. They are energetic, and require plenty of room 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 unmatched. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met 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.

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command that is given 95% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a favorite family pet, as well as one of the best working dogs for police and military. They make excellent pets and companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They tend to be cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.

Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally extremely intelligent and eager to please, which makes 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 will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure you are, consult your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you’re thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it’s important that you locate an established 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 credibility.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen even people.

They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training techniques, making them quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family. However, they’ll accept strangers as long as they don’t frighten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.

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

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 croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. 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 loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren’t sufficiently stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and puppies. They can also determine if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy hasn’t been socialized, it will require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be a pet for the family.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others this should be interpreted as a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when being 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 or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base, with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to help herd or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. 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 dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their remarkable abilities.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

Due to their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus – an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd’s digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is okay occasionally, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.