What is a purebred German Shepherd? How to identify one? If you are looking for the answer to these questions, then this is for you. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds of dogs worldwide. Bred initially as a herding dog, these dogs are now used for various purposes like tracking, rescuing, and as police or military dogs.
However, with the popularity of the breed, comes the problem of identifying which dogs are purebred German Shepherds. Identifying a purebred GSD is crucial for breeders or potential owners as it ensures that the dog meets the breed standard in terms of appearance, health, and temperament. In this post, we’ll talk about what purebred GSDs are and how to identify them.
What is a Purebred German Shepherd?
First things first, let’s define what a purebred German Shepherd is. A purebred dog is a dog whose parents belong to the same breed and have proper papers and documentation to prove their lineage. In simple terms, this means that both the sire (male) and dam (female) of the dog are 100% purebred German Shepherds.
These papers usually come from a reputable kennel club, such as the American Kennel Club or the German Shepherd Dog Club of America. This means purebred German Shepherd puppies are dogs who have two purebred German Shepherd parents, and four grandparents of the same breed.
With cross-breeding being popular, many people find it hard to tell the difference between a purebred German Shepherd and any other dog with similar looks. Luckily, there are some ways in which one can identify if a dog is a purebred German Shepherd or not.
Facts About Purebred German Shepherds
Here are some interesting facts about purebred GSDs that you should know:
- They’re one of the most popular breeds in the United States, ranking second in terms of registered dogs.
- A holistic approach towards training is recommended for these dogs. This means that all aspects of their life – socialization, exercise, obedience training, and mental stimulation – must be addressed when training them.
- They’re very adaptable and can do well in both rural and urban settings.
- These dogs are natural guard dogs, but they should never be made aggressive as this puts everyone at risk.
- The average lifespan of a purebred German Shepherd is between 9 to 13 years.
How To Identify a Purebred German Shepherd
If you have a hard time distinguishing a purebred GSD from other breeds, here are some tips to help you out. These will help you learn how to spot a fake German Shepherd.
Physical Characteristics of Purebred German Shepherds
The physical characteristics of a German Shepherd are crucial in identifying a purebred. According to the breed standard, purebred German Shepherds have a distinctive, straight back that slopes slightly from the shoulders to the hips. Their ears are large and pricked, and their eyes are almond-shaped and dark.
They have a double coat, with a thick undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. The colors of a purebred German Shepherd can range from black and tan to sable or solid black. However, dogs that are not purebred may have variations in their physical appearance, such as a slope in their back or a different ear shape.
Temperament of Purebred German Shepherds
Besides their physical appearance, their temperament is also a critical characteristic in identifying purebred GSDs. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and trainability.
They are alert dogs who are naturally protective of their family and property. Moreover, they are highly focused and can work for extended periods, making them perfect for tasks that require endurance and concentration. If the dog’s temperament is different from what is expected, it may not be purebred.
Health Tests for Purebred German Shepherds
Lastly, health tests are critical in identifying purebred GSDs. These tests aim to ensure that the dog is free from common hereditary disorders like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy.
Breeders should carry out these health tests before breeding their dogs to avoid passing on genetic diseases to their offspring. If a dog has a history of health issues, it may not be purebred.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, identifying purebred GSDs is essential for breeders and potential owners. As mentioned, purebred German Shepherds come from two purebred parents, have specific physical characteristics, and temperament, and have undergone health tests. Before getting a German Shepherd, always ask for proper documentation. Hope this guide was helpful. You can always reach out to our German Shepherdss team for any help or queries.