Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.

They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding animal 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 of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed popular in the present. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after just five times and SchäFerhunde Suchen Ein Zuhause follow the first command schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause at least 95% of the time.

These same traits also make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly trained and schäferhunde suchen Ein zuhause socialized they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are usually reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, einen deutschen schäferhund Kaufen which makes them highly adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

Due to their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure then consult your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.

They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

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

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are usually cautious of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and pups. He or she can also inform you if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as a pet for the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive 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 being taken up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and deutscher schäferhund kaufen schäferhund kaufen schwarz belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich (Xtvendie.xtgem.com) almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. 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 an adaptable dog and can be used to help herd or search and rescue, spot bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different circumstances. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their amazing capabilities.

GSDs, being larger breeds are more susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.

Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloration GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes at every visit for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to 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 that keep their coats healthy and shiny.