Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are active and need plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, 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 could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein is one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision for 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 during the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed famous today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.

The same characteristics make this breed a favorite pet for the family and one of the best working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are generally reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds up to 30 miles per hour.

Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds around the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure then ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an accredited German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their integrity.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized byo play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of 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, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, 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 inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grasp when being taken up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and join in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base, with pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.

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 deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different conditions. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may inspire them to 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.

As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.

German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, a condition in which the stomach expands and fills with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also evaluate their eyes during every exam for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not treated promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slide and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep a healthy and clean appearance. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coat healthy and shiny.