Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please and are quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find foundation dogs that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. 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 matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
In the second half of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five times and follow the first command that is given in 95% of cases.
The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for families 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 well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally extremely smart and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
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, especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering 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 honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually 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 will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Socialization is vital in their development to become confident and well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who don't pose a threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty, as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have a powerful prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interactions with other pets is important.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be wide and square with a straight, level back that's only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They require a lot of exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and puppies. He or she will determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is more timid, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being taken up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are wide and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog and can be employed to assist in herding or search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different circumstances. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their remarkable abilities.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and painful as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes at every examination for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will need to 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 clean and healthy. A bath is fine every now and then but if you overdo it, it could strip the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.