Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic, and need plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and reinrassiger schäferhund obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident 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 foundation dogs that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. At an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal 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 19th century. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.

These traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly trained and socialized they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are generally shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very trainable. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour.

Due to their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure, ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high and females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely accept strangers who aren't danger.

These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have a powerful prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other animals is crucial.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers, but through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to have fun with other pets.

When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog select a person who is committed to the breed and has a thorough knowledge of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she will also be able determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as a family member.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent 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 a disqualification). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom and have pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be used to assist in herding or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports, advanced obedience, and training for protection. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.

As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.

Like other large breeds, Reinrassiger schäferhund German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the liver and Buy an Old German Shepherd Dog spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes at every examination for indications of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Several inherited and schäferhund welpen kaufen Schweiz (lovewiki.faith) hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

As with most dogs you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is fine every now and then, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.