Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please and are quick learners.

Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help with security. They are lively and require plenty of room to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements -- both physically and in temperament. At an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he came across an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur deutsche SchäFerhundwelpen Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed famous today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five times and follow the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.

These same traits also make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs make great pets and are great companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.

Due to their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and deutscher schäferhund beschützerinstinkt lebenserwartung - Lovewiki.faith, 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't threaten them.

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

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers However, through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, Schäferhunde Suchen ein Zuhause they might engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and puppies. He or she will also be able inform you if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it should be taken as a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when being picked up.

The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to assist in herding, search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to search and reinrassiger Deutscher schäferhund züchter rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.

As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, deutscher SchäFerhund kaufen österreich exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with 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 clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is fine from time to time but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.