Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help with security. They are energetic, and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. At an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

During the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command given in 95% of cases.

These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become anxious or stressed.

Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run up 30 miles per hour.

Because of their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their credibility.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.

They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization is vital in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely accept strangers who aren't a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.

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

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. He or she can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as a family member.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others it should be taken as an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when held.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks including herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.

deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich are extremely resilient, able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. 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 capabilities.

GSDs, as larger breeds are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.


German Shepherds are prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that 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 divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

In addition, like most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then, but too much can take away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.