Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help in security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. At a dog show in 1899, he came across an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding animal should be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

During the second period of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Kaufen a study found that German Shepherds master tasks in just five times and follow the first command given at least 95% of the time.

The same traits make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and are great companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become anxious or stressed.

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

Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure you are, ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.

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 stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a stern 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 growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These agile, German Shepherd Protective Instinct powerful dogs excel at military and police work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets through 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 perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square and have an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large 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, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may use destructive methods like digging or chewing.

When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she will inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen consistent grip when being taken up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, was Kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen (atavi.com) liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be employed to help herd or search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, Buy german shepherds police work or military careers. GSDs, SchäFerhunde kaufen as with all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their remarkable abilities.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If untreated, bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes at every exam for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye 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 tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.

Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can take away the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.