Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchterdeutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen zu verkaufen - www.phpfusion-deutschland.de - a German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed ought to be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde kaufen Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

In the second period of the 19th century, breed fanciers were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a favorite pet for families and one of the best working dogs for police and military. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children if they're properly trained and socialized. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.

Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

There are many German Shepherds all over the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you aren't sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their credibility.

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

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident and well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely accept strangers who aren't considered to be a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of socialization for other animals is crucial.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square and have a straight, level back that's only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. They can inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grasp when being picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and 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 bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the base with pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in 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 bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility is the reason it is 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 greatly affected by its training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different conditions. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.

Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes during every visit for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, Schäferhunde kaufen exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.