Five Purebred German Shepherd Lessons From Professionals

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are lively and reinrassiger deutscher schäFerhund Kaufen require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his requirements — both physically and emotionally. Then, at the dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz’s ideal of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

During the second part of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command given at least 95% of the time.

The same traits make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They are usually reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people 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.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.

There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the globe due to their variety and popularity. The breed’s distinctive features are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if are not sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you’re thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it’s important that you find a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their credibility.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. While they may look 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 sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques, making them quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don’t threaten them.

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, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

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

When assessing a German Shepherd’s quality Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog’s size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that’s driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and pups. He or she can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others this should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent 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 must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different circumstances. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training in protection. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their remarkable abilities.

As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.

Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes during every examination for indications of pannus, 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 blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

As with all dogs, you’ll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It’s okay to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can remove the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.