Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. 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 help with security. They are active and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed fanciers 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 those traits still make the breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95% of the times.

The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for the family and one of the top working dogs for police and Buy German Shepherd Dog Austria military. These dogs are great pets and are great companions for children if they're properly trained and socialized. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't threaten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and providing plenty of positive interactions is crucial for households with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are typically wary of other dogs and strangers However, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square, with an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as digging or deutscher schäFerhund Kaufen österreich chewing.

When selecting a breeder for your dog, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and pups. They can also inform you if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as a family member.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others, einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen it should be taken as a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to herd, search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or schäFerhund baby kaufen military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is fine occasionally but if you overdo it, it could remove the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.