Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in herding abilities. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards — both physically and in temperament. At the dog show in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for 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 schäferhunde kaufen Schaferhunde.
In the second half of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks after just five repetitions, and they obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed a popular pet for families, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. They make excellent pets and companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are generally cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you’ll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you’re unsure, consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you’re thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it’s important that you locate an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high, while females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen they’ll accept strangers if they don’t frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interaction with other animals is crucial.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest 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 and curious dogs who are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they aren’t adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and pups. They can also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a life as a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be interpreted as an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip when held.
The muzzle is long and strong 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 not acceptable). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears are large and straight at the base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used for many different activities including herding as well as search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important 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, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing capabilities.
GSDs, as larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are at risk of the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach expands and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz welpe (for beginners) offer them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand’s disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is fine occasionally but excessively doing it can take away the natural oils which keep a dog’s coat looking shiny and healthy.