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.
They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident 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 years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he spotted 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 of what a herding breed should 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 preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95percent of the time.
These same traits also make this breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. 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 might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
There are many German Shepherds in the globe due to their variety and popularity. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask deutsche schäferhunde kaufen for help in identifying the breed if aren't sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Socialization is essential for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, deutsche schäferhunde kaufen 'll accept strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have a powerful prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They're typically cautious of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and cleanly 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 back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is 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 families and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a great 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 are not sufficiently stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated 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. They will also be able to tell you whether the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future life as a family member.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when picked 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 black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth should be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at the base, with pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog and can be used to help herd, search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in many different environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep schäferhund beschützerinstinkt hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes at every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.