Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart, eager to please, and quick learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work ethic. They can be trained for security. They are active and require ample space for exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his criteria, both physically and mentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. 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. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz’s attention. And those traits are what make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a research study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.

The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for families, as well as one of the best working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.

Due to their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.

You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their versatility and popularity. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you’re not sure, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you’re considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it’s important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and Schäferhundwelpen stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and german shepherd schäferhund welpe kaufen (fakenews.Win) will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don’t pose a threat to them.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They possess a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other pets is essential.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are usually cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.

When assessing a German Shepherd’s quality look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog’s height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that’s just slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates 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 obedient and tolerant 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 when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren’t adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she will inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn’t been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be a pet for the family.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be interpreted as an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.

The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is employed in a variety of different tasks like herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the entire world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different circumstances. They are great companions, therapy dogs, Schäferhundwelpen and service animals. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for schäferhundwelpen kaufen; king-wifi.Win, missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their impressive capabilities.

GSDs, being a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.

German Shepherds are at risk of Bloat, condition where the stomach twists and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.

Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus – an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd’s digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or deutscher schäferhund Schwarz kaufen slide and pressurize the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is acceptable occasionally but if you overdo it, it could strip the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.