Learn What Purebred German Shepherd Tricks The Celebs Are Making Use Of

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are smart, eager to please, and fast learners.

Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help with security. They are very active and require ample space for exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature 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 herding abilities. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

In the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with only five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95% of the times.

These traits also make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they can be great companions for children and other pets. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour.

You will find many different German Shepherds all over the globe due to their variety and popularity. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggression towards people or other dogs.

They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess an extremely strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.

When properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They're generally cautious of strangers and other dogs However, through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.

When evaluating the German Shepherd's qualities Look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square with a straight, level back that's only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an imbalance in the structural structure.  Süßer Deutscher Schäferhund -constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward 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 for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods like digging or chewing.

When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and pups. They can also tell you whether the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be taken as an indication. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being taken up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may lead them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they get older. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes at every visit for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump and a hunched back. pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.