Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement, and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work ethic. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements -- both physically and emotionally. Then, at the dog show in 1899, he saw an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention, and these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions and obey the first command at least 95% of the time.
The same traits make the breed one of the top police and military working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. These dogs are great pets and can be great companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may be anxious or stressed.
Due to their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be cautious around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them extremely trainable. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour.
Because of their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if you're familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure, consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most 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 documents that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be affiliated with organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan hue. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ears and a sharp stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are very intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training methods, making them quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They are naturally 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 excel at police and military work as well as being service dogs for the handicapped. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, therefore creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring lots of positive interactions is crucial for families with pets.
If properly socialized and trained, German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be square and broad, with a straight back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. They will also be able determine if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be interpreted as a warning. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip 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 red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth must be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the base and have pointed tips that may droop slightly when at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in many different ways. It is a versatile dog that can be used to herd or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one 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 dependent on its background and training.
schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel in competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as training in protection. Their dedication to work and instincts can even make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their remarkable abilities.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical care.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. We also examine their eyes at every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not treated promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can rupture or slip, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods, which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. You should also clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can take away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.