Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd<br /><br />Consistency, positive reinforcement and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and quick learners.<br /><br />Their strong work ethic makes them naturally watchful of family members and they can be trained to help in security. They are very active and require plenty of space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to develop into well-mannered, confident dogs.<br /><br />Origin<br /><br />In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to develop a dog that could not be matched in its herding capabilities. It took a long time to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements physically and temperamentally. Hektor Linksrhein, a German Shepherd, was discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and He was perfectly in line with Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.<br /><br />Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during the second half of the 19th century. They were able to keep many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed a cult. A study revealed that German Shepherds can learn tasks in just five repetitions, and follow the first command 95% of the times.<br /><br />The same traits make this breed among the top police and military working dogs, and also a popular family pet. These dogs make great pets and companions for children if they're properly trained and socialized. They are generally cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may later have trouble adjusting to new circumstances and may become stressed or anxious.<br /><br />Due to their strong instincts to protect, German Shepherds can be extremely cautious around strangers and make good guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them very trainable. They are strong, agile and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.<br /><br />Because of their versatility and popularity, you will see a lot of different German Shepherds in the world. However, the distinctive traits of the breed are generally easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for help identifying the breed if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and easily.<br /><br />Characteristics<br /><br />Whether you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their credibility.<br /><br />A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty muscular build, with a deep chest and a distinctive black and tan coat. Adult males weigh between 65 and 90 pounds and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, while females tend to be smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22-25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.<br /><br />They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're natural guardians and are attentive to their families, but will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't a threat.<br /><br />These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They possess an extremely strong prey drive and will likely chase small animals, which is why creating a safe environment and ensuring lots of positive ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.<br /><br />When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be affectionate, protective and extremely loyal companions. <a href="https://entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de/">reinrassiger schäferhund</a> are generally cautious of strangers and other dogs but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization.<br /><br />When assessing a German Shepherd's quality Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the size of the dog and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have a straight, level back that is only slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs are a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, easy stride driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.<br /><br />Temperament<br /><br />German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are obedient and tolerant without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and wary of strangers. This makes them an effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who push them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they could use destructive methods like digging or chewing.<br /><br /><br /><br />When choosing a breeder, look for someone who is committed to the breed and understands its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she can inform you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it will require a lot of obedience and behavioral training to get it ready for a life as a family pet.<br /><br />Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency to assert themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others and is more timid, it should be taken as a warning. In addition, a good German Shepherd should have a strong and steady grasp when being picked up.<br /><br />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 black (blue or red-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly bigger than the lower. The ears are broad and erect at their base, with pointed tips. They may slide down a bit when in rest.<br /><br />The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is employed in a variety of different tasks including herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds across the world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.<br /><br />Health<br /><br />Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety different conditions. This makes them excellent therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and security training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can result in careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these impressive talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.<br /><br />GSDs, because they are a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they age. Regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce the impact of these diseases.<br /><br />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 spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical treatment.<br /><br />GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long, darker coats. On hot days, keep them hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also evaluate their eyes on every visit for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not treated promptly.<br /><br />Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between the vertebrae in the spine may break or fall off, causing pressure to the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up steps or jump or jump, a hunched spine, discomfort when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet.<br /><br />Lastly, as with most dogs, you'll want to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table foods that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Clean their coat frequently to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is fine from time to time but if you overdo it, it could remove the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.<br /><br />