What Experts From The Field Of Purebred German Shepherd Want You To Know

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are smart, eager to please, and deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen schwarz deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich (sources) quick learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that met his criteria, physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich Schaferhunde.

Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a research study found that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five times and follow the first command given 95% of the time.

These traits make this breed a popular family pet and one of the best working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.

Due to their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.

You will find many different German Shepherds all over the world because of their wide range of uses and popularity. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize, especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence regarding their honesty.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggression towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family. However, they will accept strangers if they don't frighten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at police and military work, and also serve as service dogs for deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen the handicapped. They possess a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that offers plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.

If properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that is slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs suggest an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them a very effective guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder for your dog, choose someone who is committed to the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. They can inform you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as a pet for the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when being picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and join in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at their base and have pointed tips that may be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to assist in herding or search and rescue, detect drugs and bombs, or guide the blind. This versatility is the reason why it is among the most sought-after breeds across 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 can thrive in a variety different situations. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and innate instincts may make them suitable for search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

GSDs, because they are larger breeds, are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they get older. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat, an illness in which the stomach twists and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their long, thick, darker coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes at every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not treated promptly.

Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can take away the natural oils that keep their coats clean and shiny.