Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help with security. They are active and require ample space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

In the latter half of 1800 Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took him a long time to find foundation dogs that met his criteria, physically and mentally. At the dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea 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 in the second half of 19th century. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions and obey the first command that is given in 95% of cases.

These traits make this breed a beloved pet for families, as well as one of the best working dogs for military and police. They make excellent pets and can be great companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.

There are many German Shepherds all over the world because of their versatility and popularity. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if aren't 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 adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic build with a distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 lbs and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is crucial to their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they will accept strangers if they don't threaten them.

These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of interactions with other pets is essential.

If properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are usually cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.

When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities Look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have a straight, level back that's only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an insufficient 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 obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen schweiz (go here) will test them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about 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 pups. He or she can also tell you whether the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as pet for the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when taken up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used in many different ways including herding or searching and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and training for protection. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their amazing talents.

As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.

German Shepherds are prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and expands which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Because of their thick, long coats and darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes during every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease caused by immune system that causes blindness if 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 is when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is okay from time to time, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep the coat healthy and shiny.