Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and schäFerhund abzugeben reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800 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 could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and temperamentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a 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 dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche schäferhundwelpen Schaferhunde.

During the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a favorite family pet, as well as one of the top working dogs for police and military. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They are usually cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong instincts to protect, deutsche schäferhundwelpen German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, which makes them extremely adept at training. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure then consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who aren't considered to be a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They're typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When assessing a German Shepherd's quality look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's height and SchäFerhund BeschüTzerinstinkt has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be large and square and Deutsche schäferhundwelpen have an even, straight back that's just slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate 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 well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she can also determine if the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy is not 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 and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others and is more timid, it should be interpreted as an indication. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent 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 should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at their base and have pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different circumstances. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and security training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.

German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, Blaue SchäFerhunde and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

As with all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.