Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are active and require ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took years to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second half of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits are what make the breed popular today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command at least 95% of the time.
These traits also make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people 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 instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are generally extremely smart and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you aren't sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is vital in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but will likely accept strangers who don't pose a threat.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.
If properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They're generally wary of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.
When evaluating 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 broad and square, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor 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 that are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. schäferhund baby kaufen will be able to discuss the background of the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others, it should be taken as an indication. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue or liver colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at their base with pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog and can be used to assist in herding or search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel at competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training for protection. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
German Shepherds are at risk of Bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
Due to their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloring GSDs are also more 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 it is not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.