Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work ethics. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria physically and in temperament. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he saw a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich Schaferhunde.

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.

The same traits make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are usually shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run up 30 miles per hour.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

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

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and Deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They have a powerful prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment with plenty of positive socialization for other pets is essential.

If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They're generally cautious of strangers and other dogs however, through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be wide and square with a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and sceptical of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and pups. He or she will also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and schäferhund kaufen welpe (http://www.hondacityclub.com/all_new/home.php?mod=space&uid=2057629) behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. Also, a great German king shepherd kaufen should have a firm and consistent grip 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 Deutscher schäFerhund schwarz kaufen red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at their 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 employed to help herd, search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs, deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung or guide the blind. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different conditions. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. 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 it is not treated promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and deutscher SchäFerhund lebenserwartung avoid eating table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to 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.