Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to assist in security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.
deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. If properly socialized and trained they make great companions for children and other pets. They are usually reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure you are, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is essential to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty, as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a powerful prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square, with a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride 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 are loyal to their family and sceptical of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder for your dog pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and pups. He or she will determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others this should be taken as a warning. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors 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 may droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to help herd, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their impressive capabilities.
GSDs, being larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloring, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes at every examination for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
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 ruptures or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.