Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethics. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. 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. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhundwelpen Schaferhunde.
During the second period of the 19th century, breed fanciers worked 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 example, a study showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for the family, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if aren't certain. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying 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 such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan color. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.
They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but will likely be open to strangers who aren't danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other pets is essential.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its height and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor 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, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home 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 properly stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and pups. He or she will also be able determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready for life as a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others, this should be considered an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grasp when being picked up.
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 or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears are wide and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities like herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their strong work ethic and instincts could lead them to search and rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their remarkable abilities.
As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they get older. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes at every visit for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable from time to time but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.