Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to help with security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards physically and emotionally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he came across an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision 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 fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds master tasks in just five times and follow the first command given 95% of the time.
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 are great companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about 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. Breeders with a good reputation are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, while females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are natural guardians, and will watch over their family. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive socialization for other pets is essential.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They're typically cautious of other dogs and strangers, but through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to play with other pets.
When assessing a German Shepherd's quality Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. They will also be able to determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be pet for the family.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies 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 large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base, with pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of environments and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may inspire them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their amazing capabilities.
As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they age. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach expands, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
schäferhund kaufen österreich to their thick, long coats and darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated condition 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 tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is fine from time to time but if you overdo it, it could remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.