Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are smart and SchäFerhund abzugeben eager to please and are quick learners.

Their dedication to work makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to help with security. They are very active and require ample space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training and to become confident and well-mannered dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein is a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding breed ought to be. Hektor was declared the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche 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 preserve many of the traits that drew Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed popular today. A study has revealed that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with only five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same traits make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a loved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and Schäferhund kaufen österreich can be great companions for children when they are well-socialized and taught. 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 later have trouble adjusting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts for protection. They are intelligent and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very adept at training. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.

Due to their versatility and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of the majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Reputable breeders are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their credibility.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular build with a distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, schäferhund kaufen öSterreich but it will remain loyal to the owner and not display aggression towards people or Schäferhund kaufen österreich other dogs.

They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques which makes them fast learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians and will guard their family. However, they'll accept strangers as long as they don't threaten them.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in police and military duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have a strong prey drive and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of socialization for other pets is important.

When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds are loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They're typically cautious of other dogs and strangers however, through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to play with other pets.

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight with a back that slopes slightly from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require a lot of exercise as well as a large backyard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.

When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and the puppies. He or she can inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future life as an adult member of the family.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it is an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grip when picked up.

The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the top row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are large and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They may be a bit droopy when they are at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used for many different activities like herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility is what makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and can thrive in a variety of different conditions. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel in competitive dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even lead them to missions of search and rescue as well as police work and military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

GSDs, as a larger breed are more prone to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the effects.

German Shepherds are at risk of the condition known as bloat. It is condition where the stomach expands and altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen schäferhundwelpen kaufen österreich (www.maanation.com) fills up with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke due to their long, thick dark coats. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.

A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae of the spine could break or fall off and pressurize the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with most dogs you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is fine every now and then, but overdoing it can strip the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.