Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethics. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and temperamentally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with 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 enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half 19th century. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.
The same characteristics make this breed a favorite family pet, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they make great companions for children and other pets. 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 circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.
You will find many different German Shepherds in the globe due to their versatility and acclaim. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you are not certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ear and an intense stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.
They are very sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques and are quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they don't pose a threat.
These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.
When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are loving, protective, and incredibly obedient companions. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with 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 its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest poor structural alignment. 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 that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as pet for the family.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others this is an indication. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are wide and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to assist in herding or search and rescue, spot bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the entire world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their remarkable abilities.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize 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 blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with most dogs you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable occasionally, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.