Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethics. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards physically and emotionally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
In the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command given in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed a popular family pet, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, making them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females tend to be smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is vital for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square with an even, straight back that's just slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is driven 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 have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and puppies. They can also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning sign. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to herd, search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.
GSDs, as larger breeds, are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet exams can help reduce the impact.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen requires immediate medical care.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes at every exam for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes 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 may rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and again but excessively can take away the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.