Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, reinrassiger schäferhund (Suggested Web page) and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.

They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea 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 schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after just five times and follow the first command 95% of the time.

The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for the family and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They tend to be shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.

Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.

Because of their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ear and an intense stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who don't pose a threat.

These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other pets is important.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They're typically shy of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able 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 height and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.

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

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural 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 should also have a solid, consistent grip when being held.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways including herding, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German king shepherd kaufen can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience and protection training. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their amazing talents.

As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If untreated, bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is okay every now and then but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.