Five Purebred German Shepherd Lessons From Professionals
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 dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help with security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
In the second period of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. Recommended Reading were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.
The same characteristics make this breed a popular pet for families, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may later have trouble adjusting to new environments and may be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, which makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
There are many German Shepherds all over the globe due to their variety and popularity. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who don't pose danger.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty, as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They're typically shy of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to have fun with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
When choosing a dog breeder select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. He or she will also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grasp when being taken up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and join in a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be used to herd, search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the entire world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel 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. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes during every exam for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable every now and then, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.