Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and quick learners.

They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethics. They can be trained for security. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he came across an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.

The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for the family and one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund ZüChter may become stressed or anxious.

Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour.

There are many German Shepherds around the world because of their versatility and popularity. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their honesty.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques and are quick learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't threaten them.

These agile, powerful dogs excel in police and military work, and also serve as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other animals is crucial.

If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate 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, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful without being too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able to tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund beschützerinstinkt - dvorshin.ru, SchäFerhund kaufen with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at the base and have pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities like herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in 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, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with most dogs you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then, but too much can take away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.