Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are very active and require ample space for exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements physically and in temperament. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal should be. Hektor was declared 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 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed famous today. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.

These traits also make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they make great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and Reinrassiger deutscher Schäferhund welpe become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, making them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if are not sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. A well-trained german shepherd deutscher schäferhund kaufen [official statement] Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely accept strangers who don't pose a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interactions with other pets is essential.

If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.

If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor 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 and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods like digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder choose one who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as a family member.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be taken as a warning. Also, a great 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 chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may droop a little when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used in many different ways like herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and Purebred German Shepherd Puppy bomb detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different circumstances. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and security 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 can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.

German Shepherds are at risk of the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach expands and fills with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, Reinrassiger schäferhund you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep a healthy and clean appearance. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.