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 and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements -- both physically and temperamentally. Then, at the dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
In the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with only five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.
The same traits make this breed one of the best police and military working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained they make 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 early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run up 30 miles per hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure you are, ask your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who don't pose a threat.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police tasks, as well as aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and taught. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but they 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 wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she can inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as a pet for the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be an indication of danger. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are broad and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be employed to help herd, search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the entire 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 are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their remarkable talents.
As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated immediately.
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 cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable from time to time, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.