Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please and quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his standards physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits still make the breed famous in the present. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.
These traits also make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are generally shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. However, einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen of the breed are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ear and an intense stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who don't pose danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is essential.
When properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd 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 is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an imbalance in the structural structure. 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 and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder for your dog, choose someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and puppies. They can also inform you if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. 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 tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, it should be taken as an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grasp 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 liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and join in a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks, such as herding, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This flexibility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel in competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their strong work ethic and instincts could lead them to search and rescue missions as well as police work and military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
GSDs, as a larger breed are more prone to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or falls, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb stairs or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
In addition, like 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 increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable every now and then but if you overdo it, it could strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.