Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are active and require ample space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in herding abilities. It took him years to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, physically as well as mentally. Then, at the dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of 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 should be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

In the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed famous today. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command given in 95% of cases.

The same traits make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.

You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their versatility and popularity. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, while females tend to be smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't threaten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Welpe a safe environment with plenty of positive socialization for other pets is essential.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and deutscher schäferhund Zu Verkaufen respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square, with a straight, level back that's only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder choose one who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents as well as the puppies. They can also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as a family pet.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when picked up.

The muzzle is large 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 should be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, identify explosives and reinrassiger deutscher schäFerhund züchter drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different situations. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or Einen Deutschen SchäFerhund Kaufen military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

GSDs, as larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.

German Shepherds are at risk of the condition known as bloat. It is condition where 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 care.

Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.

A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

In addition, like most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods that can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is acceptable from time to time, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.