Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are smart, eager to please, and altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen fast learners.
Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, 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 a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhundwelpen Schaferhunde.
During the second period of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time.
The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for the family and one of the top working dogs for military and police. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children when they are properly socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance identifying the breed if you aren't certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, while females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are very intelligent and Buy German Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods and are quick learners. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will be watchful over their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't threaten them.
These agile, powerful dogs are well-suited to a variety of types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is essential.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They are typically shy of other dogs and strangers however, deutscher schäFerhund schwarz Kaufen with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curved back or SchäFerhund Kaufen öSterreich [Git.Fuwafuwa.Moe] 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 that are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a huge yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. They can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as a family member.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be taken as an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are large and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They can droop a little when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be used to help herd, search and rescue, identify drugs and bombs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and Altdeutscher schäFerhund kaufen training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety different circumstances. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their amazing talents.
As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.
German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is a condition in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical treatment.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. Keep them hydrated and Deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's Disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that has cancer, could all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump, a hunched back, pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
As with all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can take away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.