Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please and quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took years to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein was one of the German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog 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).
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command given at least 95% of the time.
These traits also make the breed one of 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 reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may later have trouble adjusting to new environments and may become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally extremely intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.
There are a variety of German Shepherds around the world because of their variety and acclaim. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering 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. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females tend to be smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious stare. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.
They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques and are quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as 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 powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers However, with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to play with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the withers 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 easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder choose one who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and puppies. He or she can also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered an indication of danger. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities, such as herding or searching and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the world. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different situations. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If not treated, bloat could be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes on every exam for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up stairs or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.