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 work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help in security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took years to find a foundation breed that could satisfy his criteria physically and temperamentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of 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 animal should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich blaue schäferhunde deutscher schäferhund kaufen - mouse click the following article, Schaferhunde.
During the second half of the 19th century, breeders were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 95% of the times.
The same characteristics make this breed a beloved pet for the family, as well as one of the top working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.
Because of their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure, ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced many generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build with a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high and females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family members. However, they'll accept strangers if they don't threaten them.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a powerful prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is important.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically cautious of other dogs and strangers However, through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to play with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square and have a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the croup 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 an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. They can inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be a family pet.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning sign. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when being 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 black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used in many different ways like herding as well as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have a high level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety of different circumstances. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their work ethic and innate instincts may make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their impressive capabilities.
GSDs, as a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.
Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also evaluate their eyes during every exam for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly.
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 cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slip and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and again however, too much of it can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.
