Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are lively and require plenty of room to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he spotted a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits still make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions, and they obey the first command in 95% of cases.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for the family and one of the best working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. They tend to be reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally extremely smart and eager to please, making them extremely trainable. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure then consult your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is essential to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will guard their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for the handicapped. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They're typically cautious of other dogs and strangers however, through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.
When assessing a German Shepherd's quality Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be large and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicates 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 who are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and pups. He or she will also be able to tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others it should be taken as a warning signal. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, spot bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing abilities.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
Due to their thick, long coats and darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is 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 cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up steps or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can remove the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.