Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. 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. 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).
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command at least 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for the family, as well as one of the best working dogs for police and military. These dogs make great pets and are great companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They tend to be reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to identify, especially if you're familiar with the breed standard. If deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen 're not sure then consult your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.
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 are 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears 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 quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization is essential for their development into confident well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who aren't danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They possess an extremely strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for families with pets.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing a German Shepherd's quality, look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant 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 challenge them mentally and physically. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and pups. schäferhund kaufen welpe or she can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be pet for the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others this is an indication. In addition, a good 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 should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at the base with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways, such as herding, 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 in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different circumstances. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their impressive talents.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes at every visit for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain 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 which keep their coat healthy and shiny.