Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund unmatched. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements -- both physically and temperamentally. At a dog show in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.

The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for the family, as well as one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are excellent companions for children and other pets. They are usually reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.

Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run up 30 miles per hour.

Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure, consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for 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 true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund beschützerinstinktaltdeutscher schäferhund kaufen (Read the Full Guide) confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will guard their family members. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't threaten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

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

Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grasp when being held.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They can droop a little when at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used for many different activities like herding as well as search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.

As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become slack and painful as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.

German Shepherds are prone to bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.

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 rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is okay occasionally but if you overdo it, it could remove the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.