Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. 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 dog 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 to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed popular today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command given 95% of the time.

These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.


Characteristics

If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will guard their family members. However, schäferhundwelpen 'll accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work, and also serve as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interaction with other pets is essential.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen are usually cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square, with a straight, level back that's only slightly inclined 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-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its 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 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 large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. They will also be able to inform you if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as a family pet.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grasp when being picked 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 dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are erect and wide at their base with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks like herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their impressive abilities.

As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.

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 an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.

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

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you'll want 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 clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can remove the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.