What Purebred German Shepherd Should Be Your Next Big Obsession

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.

Their work ethic and dedication ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop 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 dog that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. At a dog show in 1899, he saw a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision for 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).

In the second half of the 19th century, breeders worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits still make the breed popular in the present. For instance, a research study revealed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command given at least 95% of the time.

These traits also make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs are great pets and companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They are usually reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly adept at training. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.

You will find many different German Shepherds all over the world because of their variety and popularity. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're unsure you are, consult your veterinarian for assistance to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and effectively.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their integrity.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are at a height of 24 to 26 inches and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious gaze. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain 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 and are quick learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will be watchful over their family. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't pose a threat to them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in police and military duty, as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that offers plenty of positive interaction with other pets is essential.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other dogs with positive training and early socialization.

If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving back or rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family 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 require a lot of exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they may use destructive methods like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she will also be able determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it to be a pet for the family.

Puppies must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others this is an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when being taken 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 dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are wide and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They can droop a little when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog and can be employed to herd, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different circumstances. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and protection training. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

As a breed that is larger GSDs are more prone to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they get older. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.

German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach expands and fills with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If  schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de , bloat can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.

Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes on every exam 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 cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is okay from time to time, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.