Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please and are quick learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They need 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 would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Hektor schäFerhund kaufen Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several 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).

During the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the best working dogs for police and military. If properly socialized and trained they can be great companions for children and deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz other pets. They are reserved around strangers however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, especially if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure, consult your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 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 ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is vital for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for households with pets.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers, but through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that is slightly sloped 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-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware 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 also be able to determine if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered an indication of danger. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter kaufen welpe (dereferer.Media-data.at) wide at the bottom and have pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be employed to herd, deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs or Deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz even guide blind people. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their impressive talents.

GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.

German Shepherds are prone to bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes during every examination for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and cause pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.

As with all dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is okay from time to time, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.