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 dedication to work makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are very active and require 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 develop a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically as well as mentally. Then, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen welpe schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz; bbs.theviko.com, at the dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal should be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions and schäFerhund welpe kaufen obey the first command at least 95% of the time.

These traits also make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, schäferhund Welpe kaufen as well as a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new environments and may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour.

Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.

They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training which makes them fast learners. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who don't pose a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.

When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically shy of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality Look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be large and square, with an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped 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, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, SchäFerhund Welpe Kaufen they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able to tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as a family member.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning signal. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being 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 should be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base, with pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities including herding, search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different situations. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may inspire them to missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their amazing abilities.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may 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 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. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

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 cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.