Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.
Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are energetic, and need plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took years to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog 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).
During the second half of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds master tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command given in 95% of cases.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the top working dogs for police and military. They make excellent pets and companions for children if they are well-socialized and taught. They are usually shy around strangers, but they are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their versatility and acclaim. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to identify, especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure then ask your veterinarian to help you determine 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 of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are typically smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is essential to their development into 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 danger.
These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square and have an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich are not sufficiently stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. go to the website or she can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be interpreted as an indication. In addition, a good German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks like herding as well as search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This flexibility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and innate instincts may make them suitable for missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. Despite their impressive abilities like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, as larger breeds are more susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns, filling with gas and cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also evaluate 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 tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable occasionally but if you overdo it, it could take away the natural oils that keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.