Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please and fast learners.

They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are energetic, and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

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

The same characteristics make this breed a popular pet for the family and one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. 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 in the world because of their wide range of uses and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation 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 color. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 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 a long, straight ear and an intense stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.

They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training techniques, making them quick learners. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely accept strangers who don't pose a threat.

These agile, schäferhund kaufen welpe schäferhunde kaufen welpe - More Support - powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, SchäFerhund Kaufen Welpe so creating a safe and secure environment and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They're generally cautious of strangers and other dogs however, through early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, 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 straight and broad and straight, with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor altdeutscher schäferhund Kaufen (richscustomseats.com) structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. They can determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as a family pet.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be an indication of danger. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when 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 dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are large and erect at the base with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to assist in herding, search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different circumstances. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their remarkable capabilities.

GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

As with most dogs you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.