Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethics. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, physically and mentally. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he came across an adorable German shepherd named Hektor 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. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

In the second part of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and belgischer deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung welpen schäferhund welpe kaufen österreich (Medeiros-lillelund.blogbright.net) these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.

These same traits also make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they can be great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.

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

Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen öSterreich training which makes them fast learners. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess 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 essential.

If properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They're typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.

When assessing a German Shepherd's quality look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have an even, straight back that's only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and the puppies. They can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it to be a pet for the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others this is an indication. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when held.

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 black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth should be white, and belgischer Schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base, with pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the entire world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a german shepherd kaufen Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.

GSDs, as larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical attention.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes during every examination for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

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