A Comprehensive Guide To Purebred German Shepherd From Start To Finish
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive when they are consistent positive reinforcement, a steady diet, and rewarding training. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
Their work ethic and dedication ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to help in security. They are energetic, and need plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that would be unmatched in its ability to herd. It took him years to find foundation dogs that met his requirements, physically as well as mentally. Finally, at the dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product 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 the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of the 19th century. They were able to preserve a lot of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz's attention. these traits continue to make the breed famous in the present. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command in 95% of cases.
These same traits also make this breed among the top military and police working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. They make excellent pets and companions for children if they are properly trained and socialized. They are usually reserved with strangers but are generally affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies,, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and become stressed or anxious.
German Shepherds are good guard dogs because of their protective instincts. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they have to.
There are a variety of German Shepherds in the world because of their wide range of uses and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are usually easy to recognize, especially if you are familiar with the breed standard. If you're not sure then consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and will be in a position to assist you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
Whether you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence about their credibility.
A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty athletic build, deep-chested and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand between 24 and 26 inches tall, while females are generally smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a sharp stare. While they may appear intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not exhibit aggressive behavior towards dogs or people.
schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause are quick learners and very intelligent. Socialization is essential for their development into confident well-mannered pets. They are natural guardians and will watch over their family members. However, they'll be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.
These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why making sure they are in a secure area and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.
When properly trained and socialized schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz are loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are typically wary of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and regular ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.
If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its height and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square, with an even, straight back that's just slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curving or curved back or rear legs indicate an imbalance in the structural structure. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant 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 with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to discuss the background of the parents and puppies. He or she can also determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it might require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for its future life as a family member.
Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing, with an inherent tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning signal. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grip when picked up.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be dark (blue liver, blue or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base with pointed tips. They may droop a little when in rest.
The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a flexible dog and can be used to assist in herding as well as search and rescue, detect explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. It is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog ages. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical care.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also check 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 jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off and cause pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when touched, and dragging the rear feet.
Like all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can lead to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is fine every now and then, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.