What Is Purebred German Shepherd And Why Is Everyone Speakin' About It?

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work ethics. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal should be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five times and follow the first command given in 95% of cases.

The same traits make this breed a beloved family pet and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour.

You will find many different German Shepherds all over the globe due to their versatility and popularity. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify and, in particular, 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 of most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and efficiently.

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If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Socialization is essential to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but will likely be open to strangers who don't pose a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.

When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through 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 broad and square and straight, with a back that has a slight slope 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 and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and puppies. They can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip 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 black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are broad and straight 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 versatile dog that can be employed to herd, search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing talents.

GSDs, being larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. Regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.

German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and expands, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

Due to their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is okay every now and then but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.