Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd


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

Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident and 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 herding capabilities. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

In the second half of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with only five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.

These traits also make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.

Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you aren't certain. deutscher schäferhund kaufen Links to an external site. are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive coats of black and tan. 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 a ferocious stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for households with other pets.

When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.

When assessing 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 large and square and have a straight, level back that is only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of 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 obedient without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she will also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others this is an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth should be white and join in a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be used to herd, search and rescue, spot bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, 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 incredibly resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they get older. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.

German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes on every examination for indications of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an 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 eating table foods that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is okay occasionally, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.