Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please and quick learners.
Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards physically and emotionally. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he came across an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared to be 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 keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.
The same traits make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they can be great companions for children and other pets. They tend to be shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, making them highly trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ear and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization is vital for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
schäferhundwelpen , powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work and excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for households with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of 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 well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They require plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. He or she will determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as a pet for the family.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being taken up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears should be straight and wide at their base and have pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities like herding or searching and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. schäferhund kaufen welpe is crucial to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their impressive talents.
As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slip, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can remove the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.