Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help in security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal 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 of 19th century. They were able to preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks after just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the time.
These traits also make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. These dogs are great pets and companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They are generally shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.
There are deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich around the world because of their versatility and popularity. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.
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 many generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a sharp stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training which makes them fast learners. Socialization is crucial for their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will watch over their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't threaten them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. 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 typically cautious of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be straight and broad, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip when picked 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 upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can droop a little when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be employed to help herd as well as search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs or even guide blind people. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different situations. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also excellent 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. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their remarkable abilities.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause lameness and pain as your dog ages. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up stairs or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is okay occasionally, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.