Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and are quick learners.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to help with security. They are energetic and need plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements -- both physically and emotionally. At an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second period of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.
These traits make this breed a favorite pet for families, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen are generally reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.
There are many German Shepherds all over the globe due to their wide range of uses and acclaim. But schäferhunde kaufen are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure you are, consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females tend to be smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will watch over their family. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to play with other pets.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square, with an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful but not too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder select a person who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen can also inform you if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be a pet for the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be interpreted as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when picked 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 not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities including herding or searching and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different conditions. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience and protection training. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, being larger breeds are more prone to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloring, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes on every exam for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or falls creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is okay from time to time but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.