Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work ethics. They can be trained for security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

During the second half of the 19th century, breed fanciers worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits are what make the breed popular in the present. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks with only five repetitions, and follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for the family and one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they make great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.

There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if are not certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing 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 many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and deutscher Schäferhund Kaufen schweiz stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ear and an intense stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving, and incredibly obedient companions. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs but 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 wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved 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 obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their families and SchäFerhunde Suchen Ein Zuhause are wary of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and Deutscher SchäFerhund Zu Verkaufen personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and the puppies. They can inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as pet for the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it is an indication. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when picked up.

The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that may be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog and can be employed to assist in herding, search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may inspire them to search and deutschen schäferhund kaufen rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.

German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloration GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes 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 last is when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or Deutscher SchäFerhund Lebenserwartung sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable every now and then but excessively doing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.