Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and quick learners.

They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic, and need plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, Reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe he saw 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 of the 19th century. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks with only five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.

The same traits make this breed a favorite pet for families and one of the best working dogs for military and police. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally extremely intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.

You will find many different German Shepherds in the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or SchäFerhundwelpen 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. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high and schäferhund baby kaufen females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a sharp stare. Although they can appear intimidating, SchäFerhund Kaufen öSterreich a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be an threat.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for the handicapped. They have a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is essential.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are typically shy of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality Look for a head shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the withers 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 fueled 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 have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They require a lot of exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able to tell you whether the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as a family member.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base and have pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, schäferhund kaufen öSterreich spot drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety different conditions. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training for protection. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their impressive talents.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes at every exam for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not treated promptly.

A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses 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 disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can take away the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.