Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.

Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help with security. They are energetic, and reinrassiger deutscher Schäferhund kaufen require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. Then, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or belgischer Schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.

The same traits make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become stressed or anxious.

Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan hue. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.

If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal 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 an elongated head that is proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving 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, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good 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 may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and pups. He or she will also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and buy a german shepherd socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready to be a family pet.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when taken up.

The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe deutscher einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen kaufen; https://Media.casted.us, liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be employed to herd or search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different situations. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in competition dog sports advanced obedience and protection training. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding 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, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.

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 latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

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. Brush their coat regularly to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.