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.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help in security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria physically and emotionally. Then, at schäferhund kaufen österreich for dogs in 1899, he saw a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five times and follow the first command 95% of the time.
These traits also make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very adept at training. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police tasks, as well as service dogs for the handicapped. They have a powerful prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other animals is crucial.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing a German Shepherd's quality Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate 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, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder can discuss the history of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she can also determine if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when being 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 must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways including herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and training for protection. Their strong work ethic can result in 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 a larger breed are more susceptible to joint issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can take away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.