What Purebred German Shepherd Could Be Your Next Big Obsession?

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are crucial for German Shepherds. They are intelligent and eager to please.

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 require early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident, well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took him a long time to find foundation stocks that matched his requirements both physically as well as mentally. Then, at an exhibition for dogs in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of many generations of selective breeding, and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed should be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

During the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And these traits continue to make the breed famous today. A study found that German Shepherds can master tasks with just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.

The same traits make this breed one of the top police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. If properly socialized and trained they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are usually reserved with strangers but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.

Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are extremely cautious around strangers and make excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile and strong, and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.

Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of German Shepherds around the world. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're unsure, ask your veterinarian to help you identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of most dogs and can help you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're considering buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back many generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances regarding their honesty.

Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, while females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, erect ears and a stern stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards people or other dogs.

They are extremely intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement-based training techniques and are quick learners. Socialization is essential to their development into confident, well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll likely accept strangers who don't pose an threat.

These agile, powerful dogs excel at military and police work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They have an exceptionally strong prey drive, and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and providing plenty of positive ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when properly socialized and trained. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.

When assessing the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its height and well-chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square with a straight, level back that's just slightly inclined from the withers 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, effortless stride that's driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they may resort to destructive behaviors such as chewing or digging.

When choosing  schäferhund baby kaufen  select a person who is committed to the breed and has a good knowledge of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder will be able discuss the history of the parents and puppies. He or she will also be able to inform you if the puppies have been socialized and given obedience training. If a puppy hasn't been socialized, it will likely require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for life as pet for the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an instinctual tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others this should be taken as an indication. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when held.

The muzzle is strong and long 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 their base, with pointed tips that drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways like herding as well as search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. However, it is important 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 incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of settings and roles. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their dedication to work and instincts can even lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these amazing talents like most breeds, GSDs can be susceptible to certain health issues.

As a larger breed GSDs are more prone to joint issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause lameness and pain as your dog gets older. Responsible breeding and regular vet exams can help reduce the effects.

Like other large breeds, German Shepherds are prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off blood flow to the spleen and liver. If untreated, bloat can be a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical care.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long, darker 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 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 is when the cushion of jelly that separates the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with all dogs, you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is okay every now and then, but overdoing it can take away the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.