Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.

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 plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, 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 who could not be matched in herding abilities. It took him years to find foundation stocks that matched his requirements physically as well as mentally. At a dog show in 1899, he spotted a German shepherd named Hektor belgischer Schäferhund Welpen kaufen österreich Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich Schaferhunde.

In the second half of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same characteristics make this breed a popular pet for the family and one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they make great companions for children and other pets. They are generally shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.

Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.

You will find many different German Shepherds in the globe due to their variety and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you're considering 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 several generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 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 a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Socialization is essential to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and Deutscher SchäFerhund pflege will guard their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for households with other pets.

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

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers down 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, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog select a person who is committed to the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she will also be able to determine if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as a family member.

Puppy 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 an unwavering, schäferhund Kaufen öSterreich steady grip when being taken up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom and have pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways like herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different conditions. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training and 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 susceptible to certain health problems despite their remarkable capabilities.

GSDs, being a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or Belgischer SchäFerhund Welpen Kaufen öSterreich hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.

German Shepherds are prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off 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 as well as their darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is 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 is ripped or falls creating 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 ensure that you keep your german shepherd kaufen Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. 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 clean and shiny.