Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their strong work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are active and need plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find a foundation stock that met his requirements, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second part of the 19th century, breed fanciers were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with only five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.
These same traits also make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. They are reserved around strangers, but they are 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 instincts to protect German Shepherds are wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run up 30 miles per hour.
There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the world because of their versatility and popularity. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you aren't sure. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are 24 to 26 inches high and females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and
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try what she says) an intense gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggression towards people or other dogs.
They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians, and will watch over their family. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for families with pets.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective, SchäFerhund Welpen öSterreich Kaufen (
please click the next webpage) and incredibly obedient companions. They're typically shy of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught 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 height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder choose one who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the background of both parents and puppies. He or she can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be a pet for the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being 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 or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and join in a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are wide and erect at the base with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks like herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. 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 personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
GSDs, as larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they age. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills up with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep a healthy and clean appearance. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.
