A How-To Guide For Purebred German Shepherd From Start To Finish
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 makes them naturally watchful of family members and can be trained to help with security. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards -- both physically and in temperament. schäferhund baby kaufen , one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's ideal 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).
During the second half of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen , a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, and also a popular family pet. They make excellent pets and 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 from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them very trainable. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
There are many German Shepherds in the globe due to their variety and acclaim. The distinctive characteristics of the breed are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are highly smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training, making them quick learners. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, but will likely accept strangers who don't pose a threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in military and police duty as well as in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, therefore making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and taught. They're generally shy of strangers and other dogs however, with early socialization and regular positive training, they can be taught to have fun with other pets.
When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities, look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad and straight with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are gentle and respectful without being too eager to please. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder select a person who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. They will also be able inform you if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is more timid, it is an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that can droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks including herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and are able to thrive under a variety of different conditions. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training for protection. Their work ethic and instincts could lead them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite their impressive abilities as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health issues.
As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, a condition in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.
Because of their long, thick 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 examine their eyes during every visit for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not addressed promptly.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease, von Willebrand's disease, and hemangiosarcoma which is a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or falls, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with most dogs you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable every now and then but if you overdo it, it could strip the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.