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 and fast learners.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained for 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 late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in herding abilities. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements -- both physically and emotionally. At a dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal 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 many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits are what make the breed famous today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks after just five times and follow the first command given 95% of the time.
These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run up 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure then ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 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 display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are extremely intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods and german Shepherd kaufen are quick learners. Socialization is essential to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of socialization for other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are typically shy of strangers and 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 wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not 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 challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is committed to the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. They can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others it should be taken as a warning signal. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grasp when being picked up.
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 dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the base, with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities, such as herding as well as search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and reinrassiger schäFerhund roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their remarkable capabilities.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump and a hunched back. pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is acceptable every now and then, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen healthy.