Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
schäferhund kaufen welpe to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to help in security. They are very active and require ample space for exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal 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 a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits are what make the breed famous today. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given 95% of the time.
These traits make this breed a favorite pet for the family, as well as one of the top working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and are great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds in the world because of their variety and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure then ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't threaten them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers, but through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When evaluating the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a head shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that 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 with owners who push them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.
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 history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning signal. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities like herding, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different situations. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their amazing talents.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they get older. Regular vet exams can help reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
In addition, like most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and again but excessively can take away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.