Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.
Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are very active and require ample 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 years to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding animal 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).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. those traits still make the breed famous today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95percent of the time.
These same traits also make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly socialized and trained they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their instincts for protection. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.
There are a variety of German Shepherds all over the world because of their wide range of uses and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed, if you are not certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be able to help you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely accept strangers who aren't danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They have an exceptionally powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, therefore creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs However, with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have a straight, level back that's only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and puppies. He or she will also be able determine if the puppies have been socialized and received obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as a pet for the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others, this should be considered an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip when being held.
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, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base, with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog that can be used to help herd as well as search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and protection training. Their work ethic and instincts can even make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their remarkable capabilities.
GSDs, being a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.
German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer 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 vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slip and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is fine occasionally but if you overdo it, it could strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.