Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.

Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find foundation stock that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Then, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result 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 fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command in 95% of cases.

These same traits also make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are excellent companions for children and other pets. They are usually reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. 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 an hour, if they are required to.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan color. 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 a sharp, erect stare. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will guard their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't threaten them.

These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and deutscher Schäferhund kaufen schweiz are likely to chase small animals, therefore creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They're generally shy of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she can also determine if the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require a lot of obedience and deutscher schäFerhund kaufen schweiz behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.

Puppy must be curious and outgoing, Reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen deutschen schäferhund kaufen Welpe (Https://Www.Pdc.Edu) with a natural tendency for German Shepherd Puppies asserting their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip 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 meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are wide and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may droop a little when at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities like herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding the blind. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their amazing talents.

As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and deutscher Schäferhund kaufen Schweiz spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes at every visit for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with most 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 an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is fine occasionally, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.