Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in herding abilities. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the 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. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second period of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95percent of the time.
These traits make this breed a popular pet for the family, as well as one of the top working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained they make great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new environments and may become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. schäferhund kaufen are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds in the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan hue. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be an threat.
These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a powerful prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interaction with other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They're typically wary of strangers and other dogs however, through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square with an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates 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 and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and puppies. He or she will inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is more timid, it should be interpreted as an indication. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
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 liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the base, with pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to help herd, search and rescue, spot bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. schäferhund kaufen are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach turns in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloration GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can strip away the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.