Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.

Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and Deutscher SchäFerhund Lebenserwartung to become confident well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was finally 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 declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche SchäFerhundwelpen (Atavi.Com) Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

During the second period of the 19th century, breed fanciers worked to standardize herding dogs. 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 has revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.

These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. These dogs are great pets and are great companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.

Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.

Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you aren't certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't an threat.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for families with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive 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 fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are obedient without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and puppies. They can also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a pet for the family.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when being taken up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). 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 broad and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to help herd, search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and schäferhunde Suchen ein zuhause environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.

GSDs, as a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and painful as they age. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.

German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, Deutsche SchäFerhundwelpen darker coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip and reinrassiger deutscher schäFerhund kaufen pressurize the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

As with most dogs you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is okay every now and then, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.