Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please and fast learners.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche SchäFerhunde Kaufen Schaferhunde.

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.

These same traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They are usually reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.

Because of their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their integrity.

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 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 long, erect ears and a stern stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.

They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Regular and Deutsche SchäFerhunde Kaufen early socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't threaten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for the handicapped. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.

If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with you should 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 history of both the parents and pups. They can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as a family member.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. Additionally, buy A German shepherd puppy a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when picked up.

The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and SchäFerhund beschützerinstinkt chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to help herd as well as search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. However, 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 possess an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety different situations. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports, advanced obedience, and training for protection. Their dedication to work and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their amazing capabilities.

As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and Buy German Shepherd Baby elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is fine occasionally, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.