Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic, and need 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 create a dog who could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. At an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he spotted a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog ought to 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).
In the second period of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed famous today. For reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter , a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command 95% of the time.
These traits make this breed a beloved family pet, as well as one of the top working dogs for military and police. These dogs are great pets and are great companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely trainable. altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you aren't sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are extremely intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.
If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally 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 proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that's just slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride 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 an unwavering loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods like digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and puppies. They can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it to be pet for the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when being taken up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks, such as herding as well as search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
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 the blood supply to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touching, and dragging 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 increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and again but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.