Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please and fast learners.

They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are active and require plenty of room to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that matched his requirements physically as well as mentally. Then, einen deutschen reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpeschäferhund welpen österreich kaufen; 121.4.254.177, at the dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable 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 idea of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

During the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits still make the breed popular today. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command 95% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a favorite pet for families and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are generally cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new environments and may become anxious or stressed.

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

There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the globe due to their wide range of uses and acclaim. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you aren't sure. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, while females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense gaze. 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 very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training techniques, making them quick learners. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will guard their family. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with pets.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers However, with early socialization and regular positive training, they'll be able to play with other pets.

When assessing a German Shepherd's quality look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be wide and square and have an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods like chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder choose one who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and pups. They will also be able to determine if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a pet for the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a 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, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and deutschen schäferhund kaufen straight at the base with pointed tips. They may droop a little when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog that can be used to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel at competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their strong work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.

GSDs, being a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check 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 which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off and cause pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb steps or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

As with most dogs you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is fine every now and then, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich shiny.