Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.
These traits also make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure then ask your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and easily.
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Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ear and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who aren't a threat.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in police and military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities Look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the withers 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 fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. He or she will also be able tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready to be a family pet.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when held.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at their base with pointed tips. They may droop a little when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to help herd as well as search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these impressive talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes on every visit for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is fine every now and then, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils which keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.