Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work ethics. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require plenty of room to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that matched his requirements physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.

The same traits make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new environments and may be anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.

There are a variety of German Shepherds around the globe due to their wide range of uses and acclaim. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure then consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggression towards people or other dogs.


They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder choose one who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she will determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as a family member.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as an indication of danger. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip 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, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are erect and wide at their base with pointed tips that may be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways like herding as well as search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different circumstances. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their remarkable talents.

As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular vet exams can help reduce the impact.

German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach expands and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus. It is 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 latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or falls, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

In schäferhunde kaufen Links to an external site. , like most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.