Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
navigate to this site protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are active and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. schäferhund welpe kaufen found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95% of the times.
These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new environments and may become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
There are many German Shepherds around the world because of their versatility and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 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 long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty, as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for families with pets.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving, and incredibly obedient companions. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square and have a straight, level back that's just slightly inclined from the withers 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 obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families 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 require a lot of exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If deutscher schäferhund pflege stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and pups. He or she will also be able to inform you if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready to be pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others this is a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when being held.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training in protection. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their amazing abilities.
As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloring, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine may break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to keep a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is okay occasionally but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.