Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are smart, eager to please, and fast learners.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and are able to help with security. They are energetic, and require 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 stocks that met his criteria, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund the result of many 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 Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
During the second period of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for the family and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are usually reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very adept at training. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
Because of their versatility and popularity you’ll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. The breed’s distinctive features are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure then ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you’re thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it’s important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They’re natural guardians and watchful over their families, however they’ll likely be open to strangers who aren’t an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen Abzugeben (Bdb-Mebel.Ru) excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess an extremely strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and Was Kostet Ein Reinrassiger SchäFerhund (check out this one from Bdb Mebel) ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs suggest poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she can also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn’t been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as a pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are 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 bite, with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to assist in herding or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they age. Regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and expands, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes on every exam for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd’s digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up stairs or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you’ll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is fine occasionally but excessively doing it can take away the natural oils which keep a dog’s coat shiny and healthy.