Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help in security. They are active and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to become confident, 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 requirements, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command given in 95% of cases.
These same traits also make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, as well as a popular family pet. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen are great pets and can be great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with those they love. schäferhund kaufen welpe that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them extremely adept at training. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
Because of their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure then ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ear and an intense stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be danger.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in police and military work, and also serve as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They're generally shy of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality Look for a head shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and puppies. He or she will also be able to inform you if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, 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 black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be employed to help herd, search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the entire world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and security 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 can be susceptible to certain health issues.
As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
Due to their thick, long coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes during every visit for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then, but too much can remove the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.