Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz’s vision for what a herding breed should be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
During the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz’s attention. And those traits are what make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command in 95% of cases.
These same traits also make this breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They are generally shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you’ll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you’re familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
Whether you’re considering adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it’s important to find Buy A Purebred German Shepherd reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz erect stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They’re naturally guardians and watchful over their families, but will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren’t considered to be an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are typically wary of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square and have an even, straight back that’s just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that’s driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren’t properly stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors like digging or reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund chewing.
When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has a thorough knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. He or she can also inform you if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and Blaue SchäFerhunde outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grasp when being held.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that may 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 help herd, search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different situations. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Due to 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 on hot days. We also evaluate their eyes at every exam for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd’s digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you’ll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It’s fine to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coat healthy and shiny.