What Is Purebred German Shepherd And How To Use It

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.

They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

During the second part of the 19th century, breed fanciers were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a research study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command at least 95% of the time.

The same traits make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.

Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.

Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure you are, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense gaze. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for households with pets.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They are typically wary of strangers or other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.

If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally.  schäferhund beschützerinstinkt  require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When selecting 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 pups. He or she will also be able tell you whether the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as a family member.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it is a warning. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have 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 are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be employed to assist in herding, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different circumstances. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.

As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach expands and fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes during every examination for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if 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 the vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can remove the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.