Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.
They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him years to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically and mentally. At a 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 perfectly met Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
In the second half of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits still make the breed popular in the present. For example, a study showed that German Shepherds master tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command at least 95% of the time.
These traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly socialized and trained they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are usually cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later on in life, and can become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically 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 appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. 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 interactions is crucial for households with other pets.
When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet 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 evaluating a German Shepherd's quality, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an imbalance in the structural structure. 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, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and puppies. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen can also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as a pet for the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grasp when being held.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears are wide and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to assist in herding or search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility is what makes it 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 are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience and protection training. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, as larger breeds are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they get older. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply 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 susceptible to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can take away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.