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.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally watchful of family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements physically as well as mentally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog 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 enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.
These same traits also make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally very smart and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if are not sure. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 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 an intense gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, schäferhunde kaufen will accept strangers as long as they don't threaten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for families with pets.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs 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 cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she will determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when held.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the 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 are incredibly resilient, able to flourish in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience and protection training. Their work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
GSDs, being larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If left untreated, bloat is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.
Due to their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes during every visit for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up stairs or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
In addition, like most dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is okay occasionally but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils which keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.