Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require 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 unmatched. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein, 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 was perfectly in line with 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 during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. They make excellent pets and companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their protective instincts. schäferhund kaufen entzückendescäferhundwelpen are smart and eager to please. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds in the world because of their versatility and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if are not sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan color. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high and females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for the handicapped. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They're generally shy of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.
When assessing a German Shepherd's quality look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for life as a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip 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 or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are wide and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities, such as herding, search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different circumstances. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even inspire them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing talents.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.
German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach twists and fills with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine may break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is fine occasionally, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.