Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards physically and in temperament. At a dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product 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 reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund Züchter von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
In the second period of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz’s attention, and those traits still make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five times and follow the first command 95% of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for the family and one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are generally cautious around 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 situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
Due to their versatility and popularity, you’ll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you’re unsure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
Whether you’re considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it’s important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious gaze. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family members. However, they’ll accept strangers as long as they don’t pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight, level back that’s only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder select a person who is passionate about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents and puppies. They can also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when being held.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen öSterreich bite, with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used for many different activities, such as herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different circumstances. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience and training in protection. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even inspire them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing talents.
As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, schäferhundwelpen make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand’s disease and hemangiosarcoma which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating 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 a bath every now and then however, too much of it can take away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.