Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.
They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work ethics. They can be trained for security. They are energetic and need ample space for exercise. They need early socialization, obedience classes and to develop into confident and well-mannered dogs.
Origin
Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog that was unmatched. It took years to find a foundation dog that would meet his requirements -- both physically and emotionally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision for 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 fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds can learn tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.
These same traits also make the breed one of the best police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. These dogs make great pets and companions for children if they are properly socialized and taught. They are usually cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong protective instincts German Shepherds are cautious around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they have to.
Due to their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. The distinctive features of the breed are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure then ask your veterinarian to help you determine the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are capable of helping you quickly and effectively.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about buying or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced for several generations back. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their integrity.
A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a ferocious stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not exhibit aggression towards people or other dogs.

They are extremely sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based techniques for training and are quick learners. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and are attentive to their families, but will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't a threat.
These powerful, agile dogs excel at military and police work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They possess an extremely powerful prey drive and will likely chase small animals, so creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive regular socialization is essential for households with pets.
When properly trained and socialized German Shepherds can be loving, protective and extremely loyal companions. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but they can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its size, and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that has a slight slope 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 smooth, easy stride driven by a forward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are loyal and not overly eager to please. They have a steadfast devotion to their families and are wary of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and be challenged both physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is passionate about the breed and has a thorough understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of the parents as well as the puppies. They will also be able to determine if the puppies have been socialized and has received obedience training. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need 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 their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others, this should be considered a warning sign. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grip when being held.
The muzzle is strong and long with a well developed jaw and the chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and have an imposing scissor bite with the top row of teeth slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when they are at 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, detect bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of the German Shepherd dog can be greatly affected by its training and environment.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds possess an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different conditions. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They also excel at sporting competition, advanced obedience, and training in protection. Their commitment to work could result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, as with all breeds, are susceptible to certain health issues despite their impressive talents.
As a larger breed GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases can cause pain and lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular vet exams can help reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are susceptible to the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach expands and fills up with gas and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal when left untreated. schäferhund kaufen österreich requires immediate medical attention.
Due to their long, thick coats and darker coloration, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. Make sure they are hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The cushion of jelly between vertebrae in the spine can break or fall off and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include inability to climb stairs or jump or jump, a hunched spine, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.
As with all dogs, it is important to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods that can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. It's fine to give your dog bath every now and again but excessively can remove the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.