Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.

They naturally protect their family members due to their solid work ethic. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog should 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 during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and deutscher schäFerhund Kaufen those traits still make the breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a popular pet for the family, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. These dogs are great pets and are great companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very capable of being trained. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.

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 generally easy to identify and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards for most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.

Characteristics

If you're considering buying or adopting 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 will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which wia secure environment that provides plenty of interaction with other animals is crucial.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's size and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square and have an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates 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, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and Deutsche SchäFerhunde Kaufen a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able to inform you if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as a family pet.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when being taken up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that droop slightly when at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to help herd, search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to flourish in many different environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience, as well as training in protection. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their remarkable talents.

As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and painful as they age. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists, 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 also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes on every examination for signs of pannus. It is an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slide and pressurize the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.

As with all dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is acceptable every now and then but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.