15 Unexpected Facts About Purebred German Shepherd That You Never Known

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.

schäferhundwelpen kaufen  are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work ethics. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision 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 period of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command given in 95% of cases.

The same characteristics make this breed a beloved family pet and one of the top working dogs for military and police. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They are usually reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.

There are a variety of German Shepherds in the world because of their versatility and acclaim. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about 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 many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence regarding their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will guard their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs excel in military and police tasks, as well as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other animals is crucial.

When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are affectionate, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd look for a head shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is committed to the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. They can also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior 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 reserved than the others, it should be taken as an indication. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are wide and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be employed to assist in herding, search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and protection training. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their remarkable talents.

GSDs, as larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.

Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloring, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes at every exam for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can take away the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.