Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are smart, eager to please, and quick learners.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help with security. They are active and require ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal 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).

During the second part of the 19th century, breed fanciers were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and deutschen schäferhund kaufen these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95percent of the time.

These traits make this breed a popular pet for the family, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. These dogs make great pets and are great companions for children if they're properly trained and socialized. They are generally cautious around 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 environments and may be anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.

You will find many different German Shepherds all over the world because of their versatility and popularity. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure then ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

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

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and Schäferhundwelpen obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs however, through early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for reinrassiger deutscher Schäferhund a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the 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, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz (navigate here) a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, Reinrassiger deutscher schäFerhund they may use destructive methods like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is committed to the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she will also be able to tell you whether the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as a pet for the family.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grasp when being held.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are erect and wide at the base with pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to search and reinrassiger deutscher Schäferhund rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.

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

Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes at every visit for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable every now and then, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.