Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally watchful of family members and are able to help with security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed should be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
During the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after just five times and follow the first command that is given 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for the family and one of the top working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are excellent companions for children and other pets. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new environments and may become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but they will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't considered to be danger.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police tasks, as well as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have a powerful prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interactions with other pets is essential.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are typically wary of strangers or other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be straight and broad, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test 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 could resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder for your dog select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and pups. They can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others this should be taken as an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base, with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen is a versatile dog that can be employed to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different situations. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may lead them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
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 one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is fine from time to time, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.