Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are lively and require plenty of room to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to become confident well-mannered 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 ability to herd. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, physically as well as mentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhundwelpen Schaferhunde.

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits still make the breed famous today. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a favorite pet for families and one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly socialized and trained they can be great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers, Schäferhund beschüTzerinstinkt however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.

Due to their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize, SchäFerhund BeschüTzerinstinkt especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder who has 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 integrity.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund, www.demilked.com, whereas females tend to be smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques and are quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, SchäFerhund BeschüTzerinstinkt however they'll likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be danger.

These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of socialization for other pets is important.

If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They're typically cautious of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to play with other pets.

When evaluating the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be square and Schäferhund kaufen österreich broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their families and are wary of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder choose one who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she can also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be a family pet.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be an indication of danger. A good german shepherd kaufen Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when taken up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are 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 their base with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways including herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the entire world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different conditions. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts can even inspire them to missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their impact.

German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine is ripped or falls, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is okay from time to time, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.