10 Unexpected Purebred German Shepherd Tips
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd German Shepherds thrive with consistency positive reinforcement, as well as rewarding training. They are intelligent and eager to please and fast learners. They are naturally protective of their family members because of their strong work ethics. They can be trained to protect themselves. They are active and require ample space to exercise. They also require early socialization and obedience training to mature into confident, well-mannered dogs. Origin In the latter half of 1800, Captain Max von Stephanitz was working to create a dog who could not be matched in herding abilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that could satisfy his criteria physically and emotionally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he spotted the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for 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. In the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts were working to standardize herding dogs. They were able to keep certain traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits still make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks with just five repetitions, and they obey the first command 90% of the time. These traits make this breed a favorite family pet and one of the best working dogs for military and police. If properly trained and socialized they can be ideal companions for children as well as other pets. They are cautious around strangers, but affectionate towards 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 become anxious or stressed. German Shepherds are great guard dogs because of their instincts to protect. They are generally highly intelligent and eager to please, which makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are strong and agile and can run up to 30 miles an hour if they need to. Because of their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of German Shepherds across the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize especially if familiar with the standard of the breed. If you're not sure you are, consult your veterinarian for help to determine the breed. Most veterinarians are knowledgeable of the breed standards of the majority of dogs and are in a position to assist you quickly and easily. Characteristics Whether you're considering adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to find 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 will give you more confidence about their integrity. Purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a strong, athletic body with distinctive black and tan color. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and stand approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females are usually smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have long, erect ears and an intense gaze. While they may appear intimidating, a well-trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards dogs or people. They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Regular and early socialization is crucial to their growth as a well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who don't pose an threat. These agile, powerful dogs excel at police and military work as well as being aid dogs for people with disabilities. They have a strong prey drive, and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a safe environment that provides plenty of interactions with other animals is crucial. When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds are loving, protective and extremely obedient pet companions. They are generally shy of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other pets with positive training and early socialization. If you are evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a head with a wedge shape that is proportional to its height and perfectly chiseled. The shoulders should be straight and broad and straight, with a back that is slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicate an insufficient structural alignment. A well-constructed German Shepherd moves with a easy, smooth stride that is driven by a forward thrust from the hindquarters. Temperament German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs who are gentle and respectful without being overly eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, which makes them a highly effective guard dog. They thrive when their owners are active and challenge them mentally and physically. They need plenty of daily exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they might resort to destructive behaviors like digging or chewing. When selecting a breeder, look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and knows its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and puppies. He or she will determine whether the litter has been through obedience training and socialization. If the puppy hasn't been socialized, it may require extensive obedience and behavioral training to get it ready to be pet for the family. Puppies must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting their rights. If one puppy is more timid than others this is a warning. A good German Shepherd will also have an unwavering, steady grasp 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 or other colors are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and have a strong scissor-like bite with the upper row of teeth slightly bigger than the lower. The ears should be straight and wide at the base with pointed tips that may be slightly droopy when in rest. The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog that can be used to herd or search and rescue, detect bombs and drugs, or guide the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds in the entire world. But, it is important to remember that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training. Health Purebred German Shepherds are incredibly resilient, able to thrive in many different environments and roles. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and affectionate companions. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training and competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. Despite these amazing talents as with all breeds, GSDs are prone to certain health conditions. As a breed that is larger, GSDs are susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia or hip dysplasia. These degenerative diseases may cause your dog to become lame and in pain as they get older. Regular vet checkups can reduce their effects. German Shepherds are at risk of bloat, condition where the stomach twists and expands and cuts off blood flow to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloring, GSDs are also prone to heat stroke. On hot days, ensure they are hydrated and give them plenty of shade. We also check their eyes at every exam for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that causes blindness if not treated promptly. A variety of hereditary and inherited illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, such as hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). The last is when the jelly-like cushion that connects the vertebrae of your spine ruptures or falls and puts pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb steps or jump, a hunched back, pain when being touched, and dragging of the rear feet. Like schäferhund baby kaufen , you should feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can cause weight gain and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to regularly brush their coat to keep it clean and healthy. A bath is acceptable occasionally but excessively doing it can remove the natural oils that keep the coat looking shiny and healthy.