Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work ethics. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training 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 herding capabilities. It took years to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and temperamentally. Then, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many 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).

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half 19th century. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with only five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.

The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for the family, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children if they're properly trained and socialized. They tend to be shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become stressed or anxious.

Due to their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.

You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their wide range of uses and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggression towards people or other dogs.

They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization is vital in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family members. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't threaten 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 in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess an extremely strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for households with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are generally cautious of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square and have a straight, level back that's just slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled 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 have a steadfast devotion for their families and are wary of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with owners who challenge them physically and schäferhund beschüTzerinstinkt mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and SchäFerhund BeschüTzerinstinkt knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she can also inform you if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it is a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base, with pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to assist in herding or search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen can thrive in a variety of different conditions. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts could lead them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.

GSDs, Reinrassiger Schäferhund being larger breeds are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and reinrassiger Deutscher schäferhund welpe spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.

Due to their long, thick coats and darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable occasionally, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.