Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They also need 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 a long time to find foundation dogs that matched his requirements physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog 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).

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command that is given 95% of the time.

The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for families, as well as one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized they make great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and Buy German Shepherd Puppies Austria may become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.

There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the world because of their variety and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure then consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

If you're considering adopting or purchasing 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 will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, while females tend to be smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ear and an intense stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty, as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for households with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They are usually wary of strangers or deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through 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 wide and square and have a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she will inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, deutsche Schäferhunde Kaufen it could be a warning sign. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being 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 must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base with pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be used to help herd as well as search and rescue, spot bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience and training for protection. Their strong work ethic and instincts could lead them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. Despite these impressive talents like most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.

As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach turns in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If not treated, deutscher schäferhund Welpe kaufen bloat could be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.

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

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.

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 increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then however, too much of it can take away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.