Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.
Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help in security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find foundation stock that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. At a dog show in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed should 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 of the 19th century. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.
The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for the family, as well as one of the best working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They tend to be reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.
Because of 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 breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if aren't certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic body with distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense gaze. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.
They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who don't pose an threat.
These agile, powerful 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, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder for your dog, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and puppies. They can also inform you if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it to be a pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered an indication of danger. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). deutscher schäferhund kaufen should be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used for many different activities, such as herding or searching and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in competition dog sports advanced obedience and protection training. Their work ethic and instincts could lead them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
GSDs, being larger breeds are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they age. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. deutscher schäferhund kaufen requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes on every exam for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or falls and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are 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 gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable from time to time but excessively doing it can take away the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.