A Guide To Purebred German Shepherd From Start To Finish

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

German Shepherds thrive on consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please.

They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained for reinrassiger deutscher SchäFerhund security. They are active and require plenty of room to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his standards -- both physically and in temperament. Then, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, deutscher schäFerhund kaufen he came across a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he matched perfectly with Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur deutsche schäferhunde welpen Kaufen österreich Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of 19th century. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed a cult. For instance, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, German Shepherd protective instinct and they obey the first command given 95% of the time.

These same traits also make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They tend to be cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new environments and may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are good guard dogs due to their protective instincts. They are generally extremely sensitive and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds 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, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not certain. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain 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 training methods and are quick learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but will likely accept strangers who don't pose an threat.

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

When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs 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 broad and square and straight, with a back that has a slight slope from the withers down to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs are a sign of an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.

When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has a thorough knowledge of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. They will also be able to inform you if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others and is more timid, it should be taken as a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, 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 should be dark (blue or liver colors are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and join in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly wider than the bottom. The ears are large and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is an adaptable dog and can be employed to assist in herding, search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it among the most popular breeds in the entire world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and Deutsche SchäFerhunde Welpen Kaufen öSterreich are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in sporting competition advanced obedience and training for protection. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.

GSDs, being larger breeds, are more prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands in a way, releasing gas and cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.

Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. On hot days, keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes on every examination for signs 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 last is when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or sags and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods that can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep a healthy and clean appearance. It's fine to give your dog a bath every now and then but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.