Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart, eager to please, and are quick learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that matched his requirements physically and mentally. Then, at the dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding animal 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 19th century. They were able to preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.
The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for families and one of the top working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them extremely adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
You will find many different German Shepherds around the world because of their versatility and acclaim. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan color. deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high, while females tend to be smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training which makes them fast learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are natural guardians, and will watch over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving, and incredibly obedient companions. They're generally cautious of other dogs and strangers however, through early socialization and positive training, they can be taught 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 well-chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are obedient without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and puppies. He or she can determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, it should be taken as a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks like herding as well as search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and can thrive in a variety different situations. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.
GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.