Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help with security. They are energetic and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident 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 a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, reinrassiger schäferhund (Talkline official) and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde kaufen Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

During the second part of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.

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

Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour.

There are many German Shepherds all over the globe due to their variety and popularity. The breed's distinctive features are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 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 a ferocious stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.

These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess an extremely strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for households with other pets.

If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are usually 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 wedge-shaped head proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They require a lot of exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. He or she will inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered an indication of danger. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked 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 should be white, and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are large and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to help herd or search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across 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 possess an impressive level of resilience and Belgian Shepherd Dog Puppies for Sale Austria are able to thrive under a variety of different conditions. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their amazing abilities.

GSDs, as larger breeds are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack 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 expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.