Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help with security. They are energetic and need ample space for 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 its herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. 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. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche schäFerhunde kaufen Schaferhunde.

During the second half of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command in 95% of cases.

The same traits make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children if they're properly socialized and How Much Does A Purebred German Shepherd Cost? taught. They are reserved around strangers however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally very smart and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, deutsche Schäferhunde kaufen strong and can run up 30 miles per hour.

Due to their versatility and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are capable of helping you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their integrity.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand Buy German Shepherd Puppies at a height of 24 to 26 inches, 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. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is vital to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they don't pose an threat.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They have a powerful prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of socialization for other pets is important.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving, and incredibly obedient companions. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets through 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 large and square with a straight, level back that's only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and pups. He or she will determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a pet for the family.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and Buy A black German Shepherd 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 liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base and have pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be employed to herd or search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts can even lead them to missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they get older. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.

German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach expands and expands, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

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. Regularly brush their coats to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is fine every now and then but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.