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.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They need 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 would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command in 95% of cases.
These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, as well as a popular family pet. They make excellent pets and companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. They are generally reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are capable of helping you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular 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 ferocious stare. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel in 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 socialization for other pets is important.
If properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are typically wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate 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 that are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and sceptical of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder select a person who is committed to the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. They will also be able tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as a family member.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others this is a warning. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks including herding as well as search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. schäferhund kaufen are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training in protection. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular vet checkups can reduce their effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is fine from time to time, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.