Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent, 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 lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him years to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, physically and mentally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to 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).
During the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a research study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command given at least 95% of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for families, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
There are a variety of German Shepherds around the world because of their versatility and acclaim. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you are not certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering 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 will provide you with additional assurances about their credibility.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't threaten them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They have a powerful prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of socialization for other animals is crucial.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs suggest an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. He or she will determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as a family member.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting themselves. If reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe is more timid than others it should be taken as an indication of danger. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen should be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base and have pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog and can be used to assist in herding, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly 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. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these impressive talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with most dogs you will need 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 clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can remove the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.