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Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please. Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs. Origin In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements — both physically and temperamentally. At the dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog). During the second half of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time. These traits also make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are excellent companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed. Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. There are many German Shepherds in the world because of their wide range of uses and popularity. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively. Characteristics If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty. Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs. They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be an threat. These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other animals is crucial. German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They're generally cautious of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and regular 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 dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters. Temperament German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active 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 might use destructive methods such as chewing or digging. When choosing a dog breeder pick 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 puppies. He or she will also be able to determine if the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready to be pet for the family. Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If please click the up coming article is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grasp when being picked up. The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom and have pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting. The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be employed to help herd as well as search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training. Health Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as training in protection. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their amazing talents. GSDs, being larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects. German Shepherds are at risk of Bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care. Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately. 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 last is when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump. Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is okay every now and then but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils that keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.