Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work ethics. They can be trained for security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards physically and in temperament. Then, at the dog show in 1899, he spotted a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision 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 fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half 19th century. use this link were able preserve many of the characteristics 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 can learn tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command given 95% of the time.
These traits make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and may become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds across the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a stern stare. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early 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 will accept strangers if they don't pose a threat to them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and providing plenty of positive regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.
If properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are usually shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square and have a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate 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 obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and puppies. They will also be able tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it to be a family pet.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when being taken up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are broad and erect at their base with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used for many different activities, such as 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 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 are extremely resilient, able to flourish in many different environments and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may make them suitable for search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen , like all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their amazing capabilities.
As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular vet checkups can reduce the impact of these diseases.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and expands, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or falls and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up steps or jump and a hunched back. pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.