Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please and quick learners.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to assist in security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took years to find foundation stock that would meet his requirements -- both physically and emotionally. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.
The same traits make this breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are usually cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure you are, consult your veterinarian for assistance to 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
If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. 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 has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high and females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, erect ears and a stern stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of socialization for other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are usually cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing schäferhund welpe kaufen of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs suggest an imbalance in the structural structure. 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, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able inform you if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning sign. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to help herd as well as search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different circumstances. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel in competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their impressive talents.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they get older. Regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the 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 lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can remove the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.