Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein, a 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 ought to 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 in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits are what make the breed popular in the present. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 90% of the time.
These traits make this breed a beloved pet for families, as well as one of the best working dogs for military and police. These dogs are great pets and companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.
Because of their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, 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 know the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, but they will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they don't pose danger.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other animals is crucial.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.
When assessing a German Shepherd's quality Look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square with a straight, level back that's only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. He or she can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grasp when being held.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help 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 personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated quickly.
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 last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.