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 are quick learners.

They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident, deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in herding abilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his requirements physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhundwelpen 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 characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed popular today. For instance, a research study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five times and follow the first command given at least 95% of the time.

These traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs are great pets and companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They are usually cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may be anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you aren't certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

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

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and 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 ferocious stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization is vital in their development to become confident and well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they will accept 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 police and military duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore creating a safe and secure environment and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed german shepherd kaufen Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and sceptical of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder choose one who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and pups. He or she will also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready for life as a family pet.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. In addition, 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 the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, SchäFerhundwelpen with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are erect and wide at the base, with pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways like herding or searching and rescue or SchäFerhundwelpen bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and can thrive in a variety different circumstances. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in competitive dog sports, SchäFerhundwelpen advanced obedience, and protection training. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.

GSDs, being larger breeds are more susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can 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 one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with most dogs you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is acceptable occasionally but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.