Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please.

They naturally protect their family members due to their solid 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 well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find foundation stock that would meet his requirements physically and deutsche schäferhunde Kaufen temperamentally. Then, at the dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed ought to be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.

These traits make this breed a beloved pet for families and one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.

Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, which makes them extremely adept at training. They are agile and belgischer Schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.

Due to their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if aren't sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, German shepherd kaufen which can give you further assurances of their honesty.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward people or other dogs.

They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't considered to be a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in military and police duty, as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They have a powerful prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.

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

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the croup 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 smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being 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 be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. He or she can also determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a life as a pet for the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than the others, this should be considered a warning sign. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor schäferhunde kaufen bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are wide and straight at the base with pointed tips. They can droop a little when at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways, such as herding or searching and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and Reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen training for protection. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund ZüChter like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their remarkable talents.

GSDs, being a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they age. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the 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 spleen and liver. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloring GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if not treated quickly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae of the spine could rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb steps or jump and a hunched back. discomfort when being touched, belgischer Schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich and dragging of the rear feet.

As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is okay every now and then but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils that keep the coat shiny and healthy.