Purebred German Shepherd 101: The Ultimate Guide For Beginners

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 are quick learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident and 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 matched his requirements physically and mentally. Finally, www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he came across the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz’s idea of what a herding animal should be. Hektor was named 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 of 19th century. They were able to preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the time.

The same traits make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are excellent companions for children and other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the 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 instincts to protect German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them extremely adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

There are many German Shepherds around the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you’re familiar with the breed standard. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

Whether you’re considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it’s important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp 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 extremely intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques, making them quick learners. Socialization is vital to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don’t frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs excel in police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a powerful prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interactions with other animals is crucial.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs However, with early socialization and positive training, they’ll be able to play with other pets.

When assessing the German Shepherd’s qualities look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog’s size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren’t adequately stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn’t been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is more timid, it should be interpreted as a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper 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 at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different circumstances. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.

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

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick dark coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes 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) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.

As with all dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is fine every now and then, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog’s coat healthy and shiny.