Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally watchful of family members and are able to help in security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. deutsche schäferhunde kaufen require early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took years to find foundation stock that would meet his standards -- both physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second period of the 19th century, breeders worked to standardize herding dogs. 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 showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they make great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. 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 per hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be 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 established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to the owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't threaten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interaction with other pets is important.
If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are affectionate, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have a straight, level back that's only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. 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 loyal and not overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. They will also be able to tell you whether the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a pet for the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others it should be taken as a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may droop a little when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used in many different ways including herding as well as search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different situations. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience and training for protection. Their commitment to work could 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 impressive abilities.
GSDs, being a larger breed are more susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. deutsche schäferhunde kaufen 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 turns, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If not treated, bloat could be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slide and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable occasionally, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.