Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are smart, eager to please, and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding animal should be. Hektor 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).
In the second half of the 19th century, breed fanciers were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95% of the times.
The same traits make this breed a beloved family pet and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. german shepherd kaufen make great pets and can be great companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are generally cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the globe due to their wide range of uses and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure you are, ask your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are extremely smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other animals is crucial.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are 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 who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder for your dog, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder can discuss the background of the parents and puppies. They will also be able inform you if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning sign. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the 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 top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base with pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be employed to herd, search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience and training for protection. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even lead them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing capabilities.
As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. please click the up coming article can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slip and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is okay every now and then, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.