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.

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and they can be trained to help with security. They are energetic, and require plenty of space to exercise. They also need early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.

Origin

In the late 1800s Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took him years to find a foundation stock that matched his requirements both physically as well as mentally. Hektor Linksrhein is an German Shepherd, was found at a dogshow in 1899. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding animal should be. Hektor was named the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche schäferhunde welpen Kaufen österreich Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

In the second part of the 19th century, breed fanciers tried to standardize herding dog breeds. They were able to preserve many of the traits that caught Von Stephanitz's attention. And those traits are what make the breed popular in the present. For example, a study found that German Shepherds learn tasks after only five repetitions, and they obey the first command given in 95% of cases.

The same traits make this breed a popular pet for families and one of the most effective working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized they make excellent companions for children and other pets. They are generally cautious around strangers, but generally affectionate with the people they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new situations later in life and may become stressed or anxious.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, making them highly adept at training. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour, if they are required to.

Because of their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds around the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if are not certain. Most veterinarians know the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find a reputable breeder with pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which can give you further assurances of their credibility.

A true purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are between 24 and schäferhund Welpe kaufen 26 inches tall and females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, straight ears and a stern stare. A trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating, but it will remain loyal to the owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Regular and early socialization is essential to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but will likely accept strangers who aren't considered to be an threat.

These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in police and military duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and providing plenty of positive ongoing socialization is key for families with pets.

German Shepherds are loyal, protective and obedient when they are properly socialized and trained. They are usually wary of strangers or other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets through positive training and early socialization.

If you are evaluating the quality of a German king shepherd kaufen, look for an elongated head that is proportional to its size, and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be large and square and have a straight, level back that's just slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curved back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They have an unwavering loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with active owners who will challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large area to play in. If they are not adequately stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like digging or chewing.

When selecting a breeder choose one who is dedicated to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder can discuss the background of the parents and the puppies. He or she will also be able to determine if the litter has been socialized and received obedience training. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to prepare it for life as pet for the family.

Puppy should be curious and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning signal. A good German Shepherd should also have a solid, consistent grasp when being held.

The muzzle is large and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose should be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth must be white and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are broad and straight at the base, with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when at rest.

The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways including herding, search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility is the reason it is one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be significantly affected by their training and its upbringing.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in a variety of environments and roles. They are great companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel at competition dog sports advanced obedience, as well as protection training. Their work ethic and innate instincts may lead them to search and rescue missions or police work as well as military careers. Despite these impressive talents like most breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.

As a larger breed, GSDs are susceptible to joint issues like elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and Schäferhund welpe Kaufen painful as they age. Regular vet exams can help reduce the impact.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) in which the stomach twists, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If untreated, bloat can be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical treatment.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, SchäFerhundwelpen Kaufen long dark coats. On hot days, ensure they are well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes for signs of pannus, schäFerhund welpen österreich Kaufen an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last one occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or slips and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

As with most dogs you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and stay clear of table food which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. You should also brush their coat regularly to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog bath every now and then but excessively can take away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.