Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work character. They can be trained for security. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require 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 create a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that matched his requirements physically as well as mentally. At a dog show in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the time.

These traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are usually shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.

You will find many different German Shepherds in the world because of their versatility and acclaim. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, SchäFerhund kaufen öSterreich which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. Although they can appear intimidating, Buy King Shepherd a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization is essential to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police tasks, deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz as well as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are typically wary of strangers or other dogs, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen österreich (click4r.com) but they can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.

If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of 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 loyal and not overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and pups. He or she will also be able tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be a pet for the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others this should be interpreted as an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white, reinrassiger Deutscher schäferhund kaufen and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be employed to herd, search and rescue, detect 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 affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and instincts can even lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or falls, causing pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable from time to time but if you overdo it, it could remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.