Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.

They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that matched his requirements physically and mentally. Then, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed should be. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

In the second period of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after just five repetitions, and they obey the first command given at least 95% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a popular family pet and one of the best working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are excellent companions for children and other pets. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are generally extremely smart and eager to please, making them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.

There are a variety of German Shepherds around the globe due to their variety and popularity. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure then consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing 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 who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall and females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, straight ears and a sharp stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is vital to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but will likely accept strangers who don't pose an threat.

These agile, powerful dogs excel in military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They possess an extremely strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs but 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 head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.

When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and puppies. They can also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as a family member.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning sign. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when 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 red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog and can be employed to help herd as well as search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even inspire them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.


As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.

German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes on every visit for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or falls, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can remove the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.