Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are active and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in herding abilities. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the 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 idea of what a herding breed ought to 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 fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed famous in the present. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with only five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95% of the times.

These traits also make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a popular family pet. If properly trained and socialized they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and schäferhund Welpen kaufen schweiz stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and reinrassiger schäferhund welpen reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz (just click the next article) not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, but will likely accept strangers who aren't considered to be a threat.

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

If properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They're generally wary of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and regular positive training, they'll be able to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square, with a straight, level back that's only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curly back or schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor 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 families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.

When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and puppies. They can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a life as a pet for the family.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, Blue Shepherds consistent grip when taken up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth should be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears are large and straight at the base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.

German Shepherds are at risk of the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach expands and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is 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 jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

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 lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can remove the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.