The Little Known Benefits Of Purebred German Shepherd
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart, eager to please, and fast learners.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. At a dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
During the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.
The same traits make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly socialized and trained they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may be anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally very smart and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their versatility and popularity. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure then consult your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense gaze. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't a threat.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work, and also serve as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess an extremely strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for households with other pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square with a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of 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, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the background of the parents and puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is more timid, it is a warning. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to herd or search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a 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. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite deutschen schäferhund kaufen like most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, being larger breeds, are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they get older. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.
German Shepherds are at risk of the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then however, too much of it can remove the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.