10 Healthy Habits For Purebred German Shepherd

Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

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

Their strong work ethic ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and are able to assist in security. They are very active and require ample space for reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund kaufen exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident well-mannered dogs.

Origin

Captain Max von Stephanitz worked to create a herding dog unmatched. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria -- both physically and temperamentally. At a dog show in 1899, he came across the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding, and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's idea of what a herding dog should be. Hektor was declared 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).

Breed fanciers began to standardize herding dog breeds during 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 a cult. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.

The same traits make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, as well as a loved pet for families. They make excellent pets and are great companions for children when they are properly trained and socialized. They are cautious around strangers, but they are affectionate with those they love. If they are not socialized as puppies, however, a German Shepherd may have difficulty adjusting to new situations later in life and may become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are excellent guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally very intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.

There are a variety of German Shepherds around the globe due to their wide range of uses and acclaim. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the breed standard. If you are unsure, ask your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for the majority of dogs and are able to help you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you're considering purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you locate an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations like the American Kennel Club, which will provide you with additional assurances of their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and distinctive coat of black and tan. Adult males typically weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand 24 to 26 inches tall and females are typically smaller at 50 to 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have long, erect ears and a stern stare. While they may look intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not exhibit aggressive behavior towards other dogs or even people.

They are very smart and are able to respond to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Regular and early socialization is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They are natural guardians, and will be watchful over their family. However, they will be tolerant of strangers as long as they don't frighten them.

These powerful, agile dogs excel in police and military work as well as being service dogs for those with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment with plenty of positive interactions with other animals is crucial.

If properly trained and socialized, German Shepherds can be loving, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund Kaufen protective and extremely loyal companions. They're typically cautious of other dogs and strangers However, through early socialization and ongoing positive training can learn to play with other pets.

When assessing the German Shepherd's qualities look for a wedge shaped head that is proportional to the dog's height and is cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square and have a straight, level back that's only slightly sloped from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a smooth, schäferhund kaufen welpe; www.Maanation.com, easy stride driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty for their families and are wary of strangers, which makes them a very effective guard dog. They thrive in a home with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they might engage in destructive behavior such as chewing or digging.

When choosing a dog breeder select a person who is committed to the breed and has a thorough knowledge of its temperament and personality. A trustworthy breeder can discuss the background of the parents and puppies. He or she can also tell you whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If a puppy isn't socialized, it could require extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with a natural tendency to assert their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others it should be taken as a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when held.

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 dark (blue, liver or other colors are disqualifying). The teeth should be white, and the top row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the bottom and have pointed tips that can be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used for many different activities including herding, search and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding blind people. This versatility makes it among the most sought-after breeds across the world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, and are able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them great therapy dogs, service animals and affectionate companions. They also excel at competitive dog sports advanced obedience and training in protection. Their dedication to work 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 can be susceptible to certain health conditions.

As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they age. Responsible breeding and regular health checks by your veterinarian can help reduce their effects.

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

GSDs also can suffer from heat stroke because of their thick, long dark coats. Keep them hydrated and offer plenty of shade on hot days. We also check their eyes during every exam for indications of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and causes blindness if not treated promptly.

A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or falls, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include an inability to climb stairs or jump.

In addition, like most dogs, you'll need to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid eating table foods, which can contribute to weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is okay occasionally, but overdoing it can remove the natural oils that keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.