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 and fast learners.
Their strong work ethic makes them naturally vigilant of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are very active and require ample space for exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him years to find foundation stocks that met his criteria, physically and mentally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog ought to 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).
During the second period of the 19th century, breed fanciers were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, a study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks after just five times and follow the first command that is given at least 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed a beloved pet for the family and one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they make great companions for children and other pets. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new environments and may become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour, if they are required to.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure you are, ask your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and efficiently.
deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an established 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.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan color. schäferhund kaufen österreich weigh 65 to 90 lbs and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females tend to be smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a stern stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward dogs or people.
They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, but they will likely be open to strangers who aren't an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When assessing a German Shepherd's quality look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the withers down to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as digging or chewing.
When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. They will also be able tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be taken as an indication. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). schäferhund kaufen österreich must be white and join in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the base with pointed tips that can drop slightly when resting.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities, such as herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts could lead them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their impressive abilities.
GSDs, being a larger breed are more susceptible to joint issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or falls, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. A bath is fine from time to time but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.