Why Purebred German Shepherd Is Right For You

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.

They naturally protect their family members due to their strong work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are lively and need plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements -- both physically and temperamentally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed ought to be. Hektor deutscher schäferhund kaufen belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen schäferhund kaufen welpe (you can try these out) was named 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 19th century. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command given in 95% of cases.

The same characteristics make this breed a beloved family pet and one of the best working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life might later have difficulty adjusting to new environments and may become stressed or anxious.

Due to their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly adept at training. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles an hour, Deutscher SchäFerhund welpen kaufen if they are required to.

There are many German Shepherds all over the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are capable of helping you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting 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 organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested with a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high and females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggression towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who don't pose an threat.

These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They excel in police and military duty, as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They have a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interactions with other pets is important.

When properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They're generally cautious of strangers and other dogs, but with early socialization and regular positive training, they'll be able to have fun with other pets.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, 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 straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion for their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder to work with, look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she can also determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as pet for the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others, it is a warning. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when picked up.

The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They may droop a little when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used for many different activities like herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This flexibility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality 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 under a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They are also excellent at advanced obedience and protection training, as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and innate instincts may make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.

GSDs, as a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are prone to Bloat, condition where the stomach twists and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.

Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated quickly.

A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an 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. Clean their coat frequently to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and again, but too much can strip away the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.