Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to help with security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. At an exhibition for dogs 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 breed ought to 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 part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed popular in the present. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 95percent of the time.
These same traits also make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they make great companions for children and other pets. They tend to be reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds have a tendency to be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very adept at training. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to identify, especially if you're familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you are not certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and effectively.
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If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. blaue schäferhunde are also part of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.
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 between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and 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. Early and consistent socialization is crucial to their growth as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, but they will likely accept strangers who aren't considered to be danger.
These powerful, agile dogs excel in military and police work, and also serve as service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess an extremely strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, so creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
If properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally cautious of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the size of the dog and has been chiseled cleanly. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will be challenged both physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may use destructive methods like digging or chewing.
When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is committed to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents as well as the puppies. He or she can also inform you if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for a life as a family pet.
Puppy must be curious and outgoing with a natural inclination for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others it should be taken as an indication of danger. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are wide and erect at their base with pointed tips. They can slide down a bit when they are at rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be employed to help herd or search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different circumstances. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz are also adept in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their work ethic and instincts could make them suitable for missions of search and rescue or police work as well as military careers. GSDs, like most breeds, are susceptible to certain health problems despite their remarkable capabilities.
GSDs, as a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they age. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.
German Shepherds are prone to bloat, condition where the stomach expands and fills up with gas which cuts off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick, darker coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated quickly.
A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer 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 and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are the inability to climb stairs or jump.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. A bath is acceptable occasionally but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat shiny and healthy.