Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help in security. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met 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 Schaferhunde.

In the second half of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command at least 95% of the time.

These traits also make this breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. They are generally reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.

There are a variety of German Shepherds in the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of buying 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 are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, Deutscher SchäFerhund Zu Verkaufen weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ear and an intense stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't considered to be a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other animals is crucial.

German Shepherds are loyal, SchäFerhund Baby Kaufen protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They're generally cautious of strangers and other dogs, but with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square, with a straight, level back that is only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could use destructive methods like digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others, it should be interpreted as an indication. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have 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 must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the base, with pointed tips that may be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways like herding or searching and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the entire world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.

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

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and Deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen provide them with plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes at every exam for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when touching, Deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen and dragging the rear feet.

Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then, but too much can remove the natural oils that keep their coat healthy and shiny.