Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and reward-based training. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their dedication to work makes them naturally watchful of family members and are able to help with security. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and emotionally. At the dog show in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
During the second period of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. king shepherd kaufen were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with only five repetitions, and follow the first command 95percent of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a beloved family pet, as well as one of the top working dogs for police and military. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They tend to be reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.
You will find many different German Shepherds around the globe due to their wide range of uses and acclaim. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if are not certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females are typically smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a ferocious gaze. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
When properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with a straight, level back that's only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. king shepherd kaufen curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she will determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others it should be taken as an indication of danger. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grip when picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears are broad and erect at the base with pointed tips. They can droop a little when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways, such as herding or searching and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the world. It is crucial to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They are also adept in advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health problems despite their amazing talents.
As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular vet checkups can reduce their impact.
German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach twists and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slip, causing pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.