Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent, positive reinforcement, and rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. Finally, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he spotted a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared to be 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 during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention, and deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich Welpen österreich schäferhunde kaufen (https://fewpal.com) those traits are what make the breed popular today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same traits make this breed a favorite pet for families and one of the top working dogs for military and police. These dogs are great pets and are great companions for children if they're properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally very smart and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds up to 30 miles an hour.

Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure, consult your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested 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 long, erect ears and a ferocious stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military tasks, as well as service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring plenty of regular socialization is essential for households with other pets.

If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are extremely protective, deutscher schäferhund welpen Kaufen loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through 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 well-chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square and have a straight, schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen level back that is only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods like chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the background of the parents and puppies. He or she can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as a family pet.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, this should be considered an indication of danger. 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 should be dark (blue, liver or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are large and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can droop a little when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be used to help herd, search and rescue, spot drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of the German king shepherd kaufen dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different situations. They are great companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their commitment to work could lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.

GSDs, as a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become slack and in pain as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.

Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloration GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes during every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not addressed promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen again, but too much can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.