Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein, was Kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

In the second half of the 19th century, breeders worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.

These same traits also make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, deutsche SchäFerhunde welpen kaufen öSterreich and also a popular family pet. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are usually cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new environments and may be anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.

There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the globe due to their variety and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if aren't sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about 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 many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense stare. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military tasks, as well as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other pets is essential.

german Shepherd Kaufen Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an insufficient 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 without being too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and the puppies. They can inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as a family member.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grasp when being taken up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base, with pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways including herding, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is important to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different situations. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and instincts can even lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.

GSDs, being larger breeds are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.

German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes at every exam for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

As with all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.