Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.

They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. 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 become confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his standards physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared to be 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 keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.

These same traits also make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are cautious 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 environments and may become stressed or deutscher altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen Zu verkaufen (heavenarticle.com) anxious.

Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.

Because of their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you aren't sure. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch 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 will not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is essential to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they don't pose a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They're typically wary of strangers and reinrassiger Schäferhund other dogs, but with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.

If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that's only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. 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, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. He or she will also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as a family member.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd will also have 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 must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base with pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to herd or search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. But, it is important to keep in mind 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 in a variety different conditions. This makes them great therapy dogs, Reinrassiger Schäferhund service animals, and affectionate companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could lead them to search and rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their impressive abilities.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. A healthy breeding program and reinrassiger schäferhund regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes on every exam for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.

Several inherited and schäferhundwelpen hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can remove the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.