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.

Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and are able to help in security. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his standards physically and emotionally. At an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

In the second part of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed popular today. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command 95% of the time.

These traits make this breed a favorite pet for families, as well as one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.

Because of their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and Reinrassiger Deutscher schäferhund kaufen are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who aren't danger.

These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty, as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They have a powerful prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other animals is crucial.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund Kaufen taught. They are typically wary of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz beschützerinstinkt (related resource site) and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust from the 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 good guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder select a person who is passionate about the breed and has a thorough knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and pups. He or she can also inform you if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and reinrassiger schäferhund Deutscher SchäFerhund Kaufen (Servergit.Itb.Edu.Ec) is not confident, it could be a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip when being taken up.

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

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks like herding as well as search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different conditions. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their work ethic and instincts can even make them suitable for search and rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their remarkable talents.

As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they get older. Regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.

German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.

Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloration GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off and pressurize the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.

As with all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can remove the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.