Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Welpe was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen schäferhund züchter, click4r.com, von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd Protective Instinct Shepherd breed famous today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.

These traits make this breed a beloved family pet and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. They make excellent pets and companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.

Due to their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.

There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the world because of their variety and acclaim. The breed's distinctive features are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if 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

If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ear and an intense stare. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is vital to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely accept strangers who don't pose danger.

These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically wary of strangers and other dogs however, through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being 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 test them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.

When choosing a dog breeder select a person 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 history of both the parents and puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be a pet for the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning signal. 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 must be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They may droop a little when at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is employed in a variety of different tasks including herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may make them suitable for search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, schäFerhund kaufen are prone to certain health issues despite their amazing talents.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they get older. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.

German Shepherds are prone to bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again however, too much of it can remove the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.