Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him years to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, both physically as well as mentally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he saw a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half 19th century. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command 95% of the time.
The same traits make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones 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 stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
There are many German Shepherds in the world because of their versatility and popularity. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize, especially if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if aren't certain. use this link are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques and are quick learners. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who don't pose an 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 in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. schäferhund abzugeben of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and puppies. He or she will also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as a family pet.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others it should be taken as an indication of danger. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways, such as herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in competition dog sports advanced obedience and training for protection. Their dedication to work and instincts could inspire them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their impressive talents.
deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen , as larger breeds are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they age. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, condition where the stomach expands and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes during every examination for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also 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 that keep their coats healthy and shiny.