Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained for 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
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with 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 in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. For belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich , a research study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks after just five repetitions, and they obey the first command at least 95% of the time.
These traits also make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They tend to be cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also members of associations 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 a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high and females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is vital for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family members. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't threaten them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess an extremely strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are affectionate, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They're typically wary of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.
When assessing a German Shepherd's quality, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she will also be able tell you whether the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it to be a pet for the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be interpreted as an indication. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities including herding as well as 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 in the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of environments and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training in protection. Their work ethic and instincts can even make them suitable for search and rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, being larger breeds are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes on every examination for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. pain when being touched, and dragging of 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 growth and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to keep a healthy and clean appearance. It's fine 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.