Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help in security. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed ought to be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Buy German Shepherd Dog Austria Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

In the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the top working dogs for police and military. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are usually cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.

Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.

Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in 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 you are, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing 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 members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 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 erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be an threat.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.

If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor 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 obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she can also inform you if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and Schäferhundwelpen wide at the base, schäferhund Kaufen österreich with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used in many different ways like herding as well as search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, was kostet ein Reinrassiger Schäferhund and guiding blind people. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. However, 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 have high levels of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different situations. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience and training for protection. Their dedication to work and instincts can even inspire them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.

GSDs, being larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and expands, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

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

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

In addition, like most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again but excessively can take away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.