Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to assist in security. 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
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took years to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and in temperament. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding animal should 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 were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they can be excellent 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 at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and efficiently.
Characteristics
If you're considering adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their credibility.
schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They're typically wary of other dogs and strangers however, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to engage in playful interactions with other pets.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which 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 an effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who push them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able to inform you if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be a family pet.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others it should be taken as a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a an unwavering, steady grip when being held.
The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears are erect and wide at their base and have pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be employed to assist in herding or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is important to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their impressive talents.
As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. blaue schäferhunde breeding and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and fills with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloring, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes at every exam for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
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 last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can take away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.