Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement, Schäferhund Kaufen österreich and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and are quick learners.

Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to help in security. They are 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 years to find foundation stock that would meet his standards -- both physically and temperamentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a 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 dog should 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).

In the second period of the 19th century, breeders tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able preserve certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds master tasks after just five repetitions, and they obey the first command given in 95% of cases.

These same traits also make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, as well as a popular family pet. If properly trained and socialized they make ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are reserved around strangers but affectionate towards those they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong protective instincts, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are generally very sensitive and eager to please, making them highly capable of being trained. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.

There are a variety of German Shepherds around the world because of their wide range of uses and acclaim. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

Whether you're considering adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their honesty.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch 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 aggression towards people or other dogs.

They are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is essential in their development to become confident well-mannered pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but will likely accept strangers who don't pose a threat.

These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and deutsche schäFerhunde welpen kaufen öSterreich police work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment with plenty of positive interactions with other pets is important.

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

When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, Belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being too eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and will test them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder to work with choose one who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and pups. He or she can determine whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready for life as a family pet.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an instinctual tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it is a warning. 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 are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth must be white, and the top row should be slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom, with pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog that can be used to herd as well as search and rescue, identify explosives and drugs or help blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most popular breeds in the world. It is essential to keep in mind that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and environment.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and painful as they age. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be life-threatening when left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.

Because of their long, thick coats and darker colors GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if not treated quickly.

A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last is when the cushion of jelly that connects the vertebrae of your spine breaks or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight growth 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 too much can take away the natural oils that keep their coats healthy and shiny.