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 ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are active and need plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow 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 herding abilities. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he saw a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few 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.
During the second part of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed famous today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.
The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for families, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They tend to be cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure then consult your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their credibility.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is vital for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who aren't an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a powerful prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other animals is crucial.
If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are typically wary of strangers or other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are loyal and gentle without being too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and puppies. They can inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it to be a pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when held.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at their base with pointed tips. deutsche schäferhundwelpen may slide down a bit when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to help herd, search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different conditions. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even lead them to missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. schäferhundwelpen kaufen check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is okay every now and then but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.