Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are smart, eager to please, and quick learners.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are active and require ample space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. At the dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog ought to 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).
During the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and those traits still make the breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with only five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are ideal companions for children as well as other pets. deutschen schäferhund kaufen are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.
Due to their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you aren't certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ear and an intense stare. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung -trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.
If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving, and incredibly obedient companions. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities Look for a head shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. 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 a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods like digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and pups. They can determine if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when being taken up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are large and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to assist in herding or search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. reinrassiger schäferhund is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different circumstances. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also excellent in advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and instincts can even lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
GSDs, as larger breeds are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also evaluate their eyes during every examination for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can strip away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.