Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are smart, eager to please, and are quick learners.

They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training 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 years to find foundation stock that would meet his standards physically and temperamentally. At an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog 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 worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command given at least 95% of the time.

The same traits make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they make great companions for children and other pets. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.

Because of their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.

Because of their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure, consult your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization is vital in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for households with pets.

When properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They're typically shy of other dogs and strangers however, through early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to play with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride 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 an unwavering loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and pups. He or she will also be able to inform you if the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.


Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when taken up.

The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base and have pointed tips that may be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is employed in a variety of different tasks including herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different conditions. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may lead them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.

GSDs, as 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 ages. Regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach turns, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloring, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated immediately.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine may break or fall off and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can take away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.