Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.

They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethics. They can be trained for security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

In the second half of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.

The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for families, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and deutscher schäferhund pflegebelgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich pflege (get more info) are great companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run up 30 miles per hour.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure you are, deutschen schäferhund Kaufen ask your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

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

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect gaze. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don't threaten them.

These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in military and police duty, as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of socialization for other animals is crucial.

If properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They're typically cautious of strangers and other dogs however, through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd 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 large and square, with a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor 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 obedient without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion 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 daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is committed to the breed and schäferhundwelpen is aware of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. They will also be able to tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a life as a pet for the family.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be taken as an indication. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip 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 must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to herd or search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different circumstances. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience and training in protection. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.

German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach twists and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick dark coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes on every exam for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

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 gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is fine from time to time but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.