Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, Deutscher schäFerhund lebenserwartung and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal 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 certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks with only five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95% of the times.

These traits also make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs make great pets and can be great companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, they German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and may become anxious or stressed.

Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up 30 miles per hour.

Because of their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure then consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most 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 choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations lther dogs However, with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality look for a wedge shaped head 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 slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and puppies. He or she will also be able to inform you if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be taken as an indication. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grasp when being picked up.

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

The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be used to herd, search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund Züchter its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.

As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes during every examination for deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is okay every now and then but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.