Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are energetic and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, physically and mentally. At the dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed popular today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 90% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a popular pet for the family, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they're properly 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 might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may become stressed or anxious.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if aren't sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a 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 reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced many generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 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 ferocious gaze. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will guard their family. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive socialization for other animals is crucial.
If properly trained and socialized schäferhund kaufen welpe can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They're typically wary of strangers and other dogs, but with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square 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 are a sign of an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are obedient 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 with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a thorough knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and pups. He or she can also determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when 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 or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base and have pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be employed to herd as well as search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. 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 abilities.
As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is a condition in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently 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 coats healthy and shiny.