Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.

Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and Buy A German Shepherd Puppy can be trained to help in security. They are energetic and need plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's vision 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).

During the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a research study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five times and follow the first command given in 95% of cases.

The same traits make this breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly trained and socialized they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They tend to be cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are generally extremely smart and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are strong and SchäFerhundwelpen agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.

Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, deutscher schäferhund kaufen Schäferhund lebenserwartung (blogfreely.net) if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense gaze. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.

These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for families with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, Deutscher SchäFerhund Schwarz Kaufen protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are typically shy of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate poor 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 who are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and pups. They will also be able determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others, this should be considered an indication of danger. Additionally, 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 chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the base, with pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog that can be used to herd, search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and schäFerhundwelpen roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these impressive talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.

GSDs, as a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they age. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the 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 fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could break or schäferhund BeschüTzerinstinkt fall off and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, schäFerhundwelpen which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again but excessively can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.