How To Research Purebred German Shepherd Online
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.
They naturally protect their family members because of their strong work character. They can be trained for security. They are energetic, and require plenty of room to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training in order to grow into confident, well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create an herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his standards -- both physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein was an German Shepherd, was finally found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was named 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 in the second half 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 popular today. For instance, a research study showed that German Shepherds master tasks in just five times and follow the first command that is given 95% of the time.
These traits make this breed a popular pet for the family, as well as one of the most effective working dogs for police and military. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new environments and may become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are generally highly smart and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are strong and agile, and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to.
Because of their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are usually easy to recognize and, in particular, if you're familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian for help to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are in a position to assist you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reliable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This will provide you with additional assurances about their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct 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 ferocious gaze. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization is vital for their development into confident well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but they will likely accept strangers who don't pose an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as serving in the capacity of service dogs for those who are disabled. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for families with pets.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when properly socialized and trained. They're typically shy of other dogs and strangers, but with early socialization and regular positive training, they'll be able to have fun with other pets.
When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with an even, straight back that is only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, making them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they may engage in destructive behavior such as 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 can discuss the history of both the parents and the puppies. They will also be able to determine if the litter has been socialized and given obedience training. If the puppy isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others and is not confident, it could be a warning signal. A good German Shepherd will also have a firm, consistent grip when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and meet in a strong scissor-like bite with the top row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at their 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 employed to assist in herding or search and rescue, spot explosives and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds are extremely resilient, and are able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and loyal companions. deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen excel in competitive dog sports, advanced obedience, and training for protection. Their commitment to work could 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.
GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more prone to joint problems like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become debilitated and painful as they get older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary checkups can help minimize their impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach twists in a way, releasing gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.
GSDs can also suffer from heat stroke because of 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 condition that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma which is a blood vessel that is cancerous, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last one occurs when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump, a hunched back, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with schäferhundwelpen , you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to maintain a healthy and clean appearance. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then however, too much of it can remove the natural oils which keep their coats healthy and shiny.