Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are smart, eager to please, and are quick learners.

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

Origin

In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria physically and in temperament. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he came across a German 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. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

In the second half of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed popular in the present. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.

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

German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally extremely intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour.

You will find many different German Shepherds around the world because of their versatility and acclaim. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't an threat.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They're generally shy of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and regular positive training, they'll be able to have fun with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and reinrassiger Deutscher schäferhund kaufen square with a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate 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 who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods like chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and pups. He or SchäFerhund Kaufen öSterreich she will also be able determine if the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as a family pet.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning sign. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base, with pointed tips that can 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 or search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to flourish in many different environments and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and security training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their impressive capabilities.

GSDs, as larger breeds, are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and deutscher schäferhund Kaufen regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.

German Shepherds are at risk of Bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated quickly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you will need to feed your german shepherd kaufen Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is fine from time to time, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.