Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to assist in security. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took years to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
During the second half of the 19th century, breed fanciers were working to standardize herding dogs. 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. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95percent of the time.
The same traits make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are reserved around strangers however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, which makes them extremely trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
You will find many different German Shepherds all over the world because of their versatility and acclaim. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure, consult your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are naturally guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they will accept strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in military and police duty, as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. 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 German Shepherd's qualities Look for a head 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 is slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents and puppies. They can determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and meet in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are wide and straight at the base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks, such as herding, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their impressive capabilities.
GSDs, as larger breeds are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.
German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloring, GSDs are also prone 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 disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the 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 table foods, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen to give your dog bath every now and then, but too much can remove the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.