Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work character. They can be trained for security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, both physically and mentally. At the dog show in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was declared 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 in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds master tasks after just five times and follow the first command given at least 95% of the time.
These traits also make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, as well as a popular family pet. If properly trained and socialized they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen that is not socialized at a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them highly adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their versatility and acclaim. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with 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 locate an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of interaction with other pets is important.
If properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square and have an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. They will also be able inform you if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready for life as a pet for the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when taken up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and meet in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at the base, with pointed tips that may be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities, such as herding or searching and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial 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 conditions. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their remarkable capabilities.
As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Responsible breeding 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 expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also evaluate their eyes at every visit for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb steps or jump, a hunched back, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can take away the natural oils which keep their coats clean and shiny.