Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their strong work ethic makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to assist in security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, both physically as well as mentally. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and He was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed ought to be. Hektor was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed famous today. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks after only five times and follow the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.

The same traits make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they can be great companions for children and other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become anxious or stressed.

Due to their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them highly adept at training. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.

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

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is essential for their development into confident, well-mannered 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 excel at police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for the handicapped. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for households with other pets.

If properly trained and einen Deutschen schäferhund Kaufen socialized, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.

If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, SchäFerhund baby kaufen consistent grasp when being taken up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for schäFerhund beschützerinstinkt many different activities like herding, search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different conditions. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes on every visit for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is acceptable occasionally but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils which keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.