Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethics. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, Deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich obedience training, and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria — both physically and emotionally. At the dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz’s idea of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche 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 traits that drew Von Stephanitz’s attention. And those traits are what make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command given at least 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a popular family pet and one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained they can be ideal companions for children as well as 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 might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds all over the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. But the breed’s distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
Whether you’re considering adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it’s important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, schäFerhund kaufen welpe but it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior german shepherd protective instinct towards humans or other dogs.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they’ll accept strangers if they don’t frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment with plenty of positive interactions with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They’re typically shy of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are 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 obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren’t adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder to work with you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she will also be able determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy hasn’t been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be a family pet.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others this is an indication. Also, a great German king shepherd kaufen should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are large and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog and can be employed to help herd, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different situations. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel at competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their remarkable capabilities.
GSDs, as larger breeds, are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular vet exams can help reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, condition where the stomach twists and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick dark coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd’s digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you’ll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It’s fine to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils that keep their coat healthy and shiny.