Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive on consistency, positive reinforcement, and reward-based training. They are smart and eager to please.
Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help in security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience training, and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took him a long time to find a foundation stock that met his criteria, both physically and mentally. Hektor Linksrhein, one of the German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. 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 of 19th century. They were able to keep some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For example, a study revealed that German Shepherds master tasks after only five repetitions and obey the first command given in 95% of cases.
The same traits make this breed a popular family pet and one of the best working dogs for police and military. If properly socialized and trained they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They are usually shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later on in life, and can become anxious or stressed.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally highly sensitive and eager to please, making them extremely adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.
There are a variety of German Shepherds in the globe due to their variety and acclaim. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually 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. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich know the breed standards of a 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 choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances regarding their honesty.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. Although they can appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training techniques and are quick learners. Socialization is vital for their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They are naturally guardians and will guard their family. However, they will 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 a strong prey drive, and are likely to chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interaction with other pets is essential.
When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They're generally cautious of other dogs and strangers However, through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to have fun with other pets.
When evaluating a German Shepherd's quality Look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's size and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved or excessively curving rear or back legs suggest poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their family and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and test them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they could resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.
When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder can discuss the history of the parents and puppies. They can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as a family member.
Puppy should be curious and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, it should be taken as an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should be able to maintain a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are a disqualification). The teeth must be white and have a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the bottom. The ears are broad and erect at the base, with pointed tips. They can be a bit droopy when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be used for many different activities, such as herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding 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 temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess a high level of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different situations. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work or military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.
As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular veterinary checkups can help minimize the impact of these diseases.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be life-threatening if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
Due to their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus. It is an immune-mediated eye disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.
In addition, like most dogs, you'll need to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods which can lead to weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to brush their coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and then however, too much of it can take away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.