Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident and well-mannered 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 a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards physically and deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz reinrassiger schäferhund deutschen schäferhund kaufen österreich (https://doodleordie.com) emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Hektor SchäFerhundwelpen Kaufen was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed famous in the present. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five times and follow the first command given in 95% of cases.

These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are generally shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very adept at training. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.

Because of their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if aren't certain. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are in a position to assist you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high and females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't threaten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other pets is important.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers, but through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is well 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 curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder can discuss the background of the parents and puppies. They can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as a family member.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.

The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger 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 can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to herd, search and blaue schäferhunde rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety different circumstances. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even inspire them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their amazing abilities.

As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.

German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, condition where the stomach expands and expands, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is acceptable from time to time, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.