Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.

They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took years to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria physically and in temperament. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he saw a german shepherd kaufen shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich Schaferhunde.

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command in 95% of cases.

These same traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for schäferhundwelpen - dyhr-bowden.Blogbright.net, children when they are properly trained and socialized. They are generally reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, they 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 to protect. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely adept at training. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.

There are a variety of German Shepherds in the globe due to their versatility and popularity. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if aren't sure. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.

A true 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 and 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated 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 quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is vital to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be a threat.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a powerful prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other pets is important.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are affectionate, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are typically shy of strangers and 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 a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicates 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 and curious dogs who are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she will inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others this is an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz consistent grip when held.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways including herding, search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after 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. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience and protection training. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, schäferhunde kaufen police work or military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their impressive talents.

As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they age. Regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.