Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 90% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a popular pet for the family and one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them extremely trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
There are a variety of German Shepherds in the globe due to their versatility and popularity. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you aren't sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering purchasing or adopting 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. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp 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 highly intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military tasks, as well as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have a powerful prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of interactions with other animals is crucial.
If properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are typically shy of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being too eager to please. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and puppies. They will also be able tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be a pet for the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning sign. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base and have pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities, such as herding as well as search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may make them suitable for missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their remarkable capabilities.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.
German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach expands and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes at every visit for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
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 jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is fine occasionally but excessively doing it can take away the natural oils that keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.