Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.

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

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to 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).

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.

These traits make this breed a popular family pet and one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they can be great companions for children and other pets. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and Was Kostet Ein Reinrassiger SchäFerhund become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts for Deutscher SchäFerhund Welpe Kaufen protection. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and SchäFerhunde Kaufen can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of 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 many generations back. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high and females are usually smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but they will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't danger.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work, deutscher schäferhund kaufen Schweiz and also serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates 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, schäferhund abzugeben curious dogs that are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder to work with you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. They can also tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a life as a pet for the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as an indication of danger. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grasp when being picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears are wide and straight at the base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in 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 blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the entire world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their remarkable abilities.

GSDs, being larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is a condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or falls and Altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.