Purebred German Shepherd 101 This Is The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please and are quick learners.

Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help in security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his standards physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz’s vision for what a herding breed should 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, breeders worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command at least 95% of the time.

These same traits also make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they can be excellent 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 at a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.

There are a variety of German Shepherds in the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure you are, deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you’re thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it’s important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense gaze. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is vital to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they’ll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don’t threaten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They possess an extremely strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They’re generally shy of strangers and other dogs However, through early socialization and positive training, they’ll be able to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating a German Shepherd’s quality look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square and have an even, straight back that’s only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are obedient without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren’t properly stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.

When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn’t socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong 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 disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to help herd or search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. 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 heavily affected by its training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training and 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 most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

GSDs, as a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.

German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloration GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated 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 jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It’s okay to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can take away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.