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 makes them naturally vigilant of family members and are able to assist in security. They are lively and require plenty of space to exercise. They require early socialization, obedience classes and to become confident well-mannered dogs.
Origin
In the late 1800s, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in its ability to herd. It took a long time to find a foundation dog that could satisfy his criteria physically and emotionally. Then, at a dog show in 1899, he spotted an adorable German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of a few generations of selective breeding, and he perfectly met Von Stephanitz's vision of what a herding dog should be. Von Stephanitz declared Hektor the first German Shepherd Dog and founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde.
Breed enthusiasts began to standardize herding dog breeds in the second half of 19th century. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For instance, a study showed that German Shepherds learn tasks in just five times and follow the first command given in 95% of cases.
These same traits also make the breed one of the top military and police working dogs, as well as a beloved pet for families. If properly socialized and trained, these dogs are excellent companions for children and other pets. They are generally shy around strangers, but they generally affectionate with the people they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized from a young age might later have difficulty adjusting to new situations and be anxious or stressed.
Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds are wary around strangers and are excellent guard dogs. They are smart and eager to please. This makes them highly capable of being trained. They are strong, agile and can run up to 30 miles per hour.
Due to their versatility and popularity you'll see a variety of German Shepherds across the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure then ask your veterinarian for assistance to identify the breed. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards of a majority of dogs and can help you quickly.
Characteristics
If you're thinking of adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced several generations back. Breeders who are reputable are also members of associations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.
Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by an athletic, muscular physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are 24 to 26 inches high, whereas females are usually smaller at 50-70 pounds and 22-25 inches tall. They have a long, erect ear and an intense stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating however, it will remain loyal to its owner and not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are highly sensitive and can be a good responder to positive reinforcement-based training methods which makes them fast learners. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, but will most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't considered to be a threat.
These powerful, agile dogs are suited to many types of work. They excel in military and police duty, as well as serving as service dogs for the disabled. They possess a remarkably powerful prey drive and are likely to chase small animals, which is why creating a safe and secure environment and ensuring plenty of interactions is crucial for families with pets.
If properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are extremely protective, loving and extremely obedient pet companions. They're typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but through early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to have fun with other pets.
When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd Look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and straight, with a back that is 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 easy, smooth stride that is driven by an upward thrust of the hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs that are obedient without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and sceptical of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They require plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't sufficiently stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like chewing or digging.
When choosing a dog breeder pick someone who is enthusiastic about the breed and has a good understanding of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder can discuss the history of both the parents and puppies. They will also be able to determine if the litter has been socialized and has received obedience training. If schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz isn't socialized, it may need extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for a future as an adult member of the family.
Puppies should be curious and outgoing and have a natural capacity to assert themselves. If one puppy is more timid than the others, it is a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have solid, consistent grip when being held.
The muzzle is long and strong 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 should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are large and straight at the base with pointed tips. They may droop a little when in rest.
The German Shepherd is a very versatile dog that can be used in many different ways like herding or searching and rescue or bomb and drug detection, and even guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one the most popular breeds in the world. It is essential to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd dog can be heavily affected by its training and upbringing.
schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz are extremely resilient, able to flourish in a variety of settings and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals and faithful companions. They also excel at sporting competition advanced obedience and training in protection. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even inspire them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions.
As a breed that is larger GSDs are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become debilitated and in pain as they age. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the impact.
Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach turns, filling with gas and cutting off blood flow to the liver and spleen. Bloat can be fatal if left untreated. It requires immediate medical attention.
Because of their long, thick coats and darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and offer them plenty of shade. Also, we should check their eyes for signs of pannus - an immune-mediated illness that could cause blindness if it is not treated immediately.
Intervertebral disc (IVDD) disease Von Willebrand's disease and hemangiosarcoma, a cancerous blood vessel, can all affect your German Shepherd. The last is when the jelly-like cushion that divides the vertebrae of the spine ruptures or slips, causing pressure on the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD include the inability to climb stairs or jump.
Like all dogs, you will need to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid eating table food, which can cause weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain an appearance that is clean and healthy. A bath is okay occasionally but excessively doing it can strip the natural oils which keep a dog's coat looking shiny and healthy.