Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to assist in security. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident, schäferhund beschützerinstinkt deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich (My Source) well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, both physically as well as mentally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog ought to 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 during the second half 19th century. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, a research study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command given in 95% of cases.

The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for the family and one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized they can be excellent companions for children and other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly adept at training. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and schäferhund kaufen welpe stand 24 to 26 inches high, while females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp, erect gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Socialization is vital to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and Schäferhund kaufen österreich military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers However, with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to engage in playful interactions with other pets.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is cleanly 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 back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and puppies. They will also be able inform you if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as a family member.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when 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 not acceptable). The teeth should be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be employed to help herd as well as search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across 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, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They are excellent companions, schäferhund kaufen österreich therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.

As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.

German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach expands and fills up with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.

Due to their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also evaluate their eyes at every examination for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or falls and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can take away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.