Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are smart, eager to please, and are quick learners.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic and need ample 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 years to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and emotionally. Then, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he spotted 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. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
In the second part of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. 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 can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.
These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military 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 are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are generally extremely intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if are not sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several 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 muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization is essential for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're naturally 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 danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They're typically cautious of other dogs and strangers, but through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to play with other pets.
When evaluating the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. 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 is a sign of an insufficient 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 that are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods like digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents as well as the puppies. They will also be able to inform you if the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom and have pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks including herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and can thrive in a variety different conditions. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience and protection training. Their dedication to work and instincts can even make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their amazing capabilities.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. schäferhundwelpen kaufen breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach expands and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may break or fall off and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most 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 the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is okay from time to time but if you overdo it, it could remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.