Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are active and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund unmatched. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and schäferhund Welpe Kaufen founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde kaufen Schaferhunde.

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able preserve some of the 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 with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for families, as well as one of the best working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong protective instincts 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 very adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.

Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, schäFerhundwelpen you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you are not certain. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive black and tan coat. 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 Schäferhundwelpen 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious gaze. While they may look intimidating, a properly 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. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work, and also serve as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for households with pets.

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

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

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

When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and pups. They can also determine if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a pet for the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others it should be taken as a warning sign. In addition, a good 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 are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base and have pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities, such as herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the entire world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and SchäFerhundwelpen service animals. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training for protection. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or Schäferhundwelpen military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.

As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they get older. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

In addition, like most dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can strip away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.