Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria physically and in temperament. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed ought to be. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
During the second half of the 19th century, breed fanciers worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed famous today. A study revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.
These same traits also make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are generally shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of different German Shepherds in the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional 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 weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high and females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggression 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 naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, however they'll most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't an threat.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for families with pets.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They're typically wary of other dogs and strangers, but through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they might use destructive methods like digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready for life as pet for the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when taken up.
The muzzle is long 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 liver-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are wide and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be employed to herd or search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or help blind people. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and loyal companions. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts can even make them suitable for missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing talents.
GSDs, being a larger breed are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. Make sure schäferhundwelpen are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes on every exam for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause 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 one occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can remove the natural oils that keep their coat healthy and shiny.