Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. At the dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met 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 schäferhundwelpen Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz’s attention, and these traits continue to make the breed famous today. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite family pet, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. These dogs make great pets and are great companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They are generally reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, which makes them extremely capable of being trained. 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 different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you’re unsure you are, consult your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you’re considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it’s important that you find a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic body with distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don’t frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other pets is essential.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They’re generally shy of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and regular positive training, they’ll be able to play with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog’s size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or deutscher schäferhund kaufen – http://www.metooo.co.uk, excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor 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 loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren’t adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. They can also determine if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy isn’t socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be taken as a warning. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent 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 liver, blue or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are broad and erect at the base with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be employed to help herd or search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their amazing capabilities.
GSDs, being a larger breed are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and reinrassiger Deutscher schäferhund züchter hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach turns, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes at every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand’s disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. It’s okay to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can take away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.