Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are active and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. At the dog show in 1899, he spotted an adorable 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. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second part of the 19th century, breeders worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.
These same traits also make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. They make excellent pets and companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very trainable. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
You will find many different German Shepherds all over the globe due to their versatility and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if are not sure. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training techniques, making them quick learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment with plenty of positive interaction with other animals is crucial.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are affectionate, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They're generally wary of strangers and other dogs However, with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught 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 dog's height and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be large and square with a straight, level back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless, smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as a family member.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is more timid, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when held.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be employed to herd, search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the entire world. It is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their work ethic and innate instincts may lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their amazing talents.
GSDs, as larger breeds are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Due to their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes at every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
king shepherd kaufen of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or falls, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable from time to time but if you overdo it, it could remove the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.