Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, an German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. A study has revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.
The same characteristics make this breed a popular family pet, as well as one of the best working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them very trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
There are many German Shepherds all over the globe due to their wide range of uses and acclaim. 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 help identifying the breed if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders with a good reputation are also affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is crucial in their development to become confident, well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but will likely be open to strangers who don't pose a threat.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen that provides plenty of socialization for other pets is essential.
When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs, but with early socialization and positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a head shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient 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, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might use destructive methods like chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she can determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a life as a pet for the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is more timid, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when taken up.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth should be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities including herding or searching and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important 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 are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Our Web Site and innate instincts may inspire them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach turns, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes during every visit for signs of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the 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 ruptures or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
As with most dogs you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again but excessively can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.