Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd

Consistency, german Shepherd puppies for sale in switzerland positive reinforcement, and reward-based dog training are essential for German Shepherds. They are intelligent, eager to please, and fast learners.

Their dedication to work ensures they are naturally attentive to family members and can be trained to assist in security. They are energetic and need ample space to exercise. They need early socialization, obedience training, 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 herding abilities. It took a long time to find foundation stock that would meet his requirements -- both physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the product of several generations of selective breeding and he perfectly matched 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.

In the second part of the 19th century, breed enthusiasts tried to standardize herding dog breeds. 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 has revealed that German Shepherds can master tasks in just five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.

These traits make this breed a popular pet for families, as well as one of the best working dogs for military and police. These dogs are great pets and are great companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are cautious around strangers, however, they are incredibly affectionate towards the ones they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized at a young age may have difficulty adapting to new situations and become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are smart and eager to be loved by others. This makes them very trainable. They are agile and strong and can run up to 30 miles per hour if they need to.

Due to their versatility and popularity you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. But the distinctive characteristics of the breed are usually easy to identify, especially if you are familiar with the standard of the breed. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed, if you are not sure. Most veterinarians are familiar with breed standards of most dogs and will be able to assist you quickly.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or purchasing a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you find an established German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Breeders who are reputable are also members of organizations like the American Kennel Club. This can give you additional assurances about their integrity.

A purebred German Shepherd is characterized by a muscular, athletic physique with a distinct black and tan colour. Adult males weigh between 65 to 90 pounds and stand at a height of 24 to 26 inches, while females are generally smaller, weighing between 50 and 70 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. They have erect ears, long and elongated and a sharp, erect gaze. While they may look intimidating, a properly trained German Shepherd will remain loyal to its owner and not show aggressive behavior toward other dogs or even people.

They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Socialization early and consistently is essential to their development as well-mannered, confident family pets. They're naturally guardians and watchful over their families, however they'll likely be open to strangers who aren't considered to be a threat.

These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many types of work and excel in military and police duty as well as as service dogs for the disabled. They possess an extremely strong prey drive, and are likely to chase small animals, therefore creating a safe and deutscher schäferhund pflege schäferhund kaufen welpe Zu verkaufen (https://canvas.instructure.com) secure environment and ensuring plenty of ongoing socialization is key for households with other pets.

When properly socialized and trained German Shepherds can be extremely protective, loving and extremely loyal companions. They are typically cautious of strangers and other dogs, but can be taught to play with other dogs through positive training and early socialization.

When evaluating the German Shepherd's qualities look for a head shape that is proportional to the dog's height and is well chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square, with a straight back that slopes slightly from the withers down to the croup. A curving or curved rear or back legs suggest 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, curious dogs who are loyal and deutscher schäFerhund zu verkaufen gentle without being too eager to please. They have a strong loyalty to their family members and are cautious of strangers, making them an excellent guard dog. They thrive with owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large area to play in. If they are not sufficiently stimulated, they could engage in destructive behavior like chewing or digging.

When choosing a dog breeder, choose someone who is passionate about the breed and has an excellent understanding of its temperament and personality. A reliable breeder will be able to discuss the background of both parents and the puppies. He or she will inform you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it may need extensive training in obedience and behavior to prepare it for SchäFerhund Welpe Kaufen a future as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be inquisitive and outgoing with an inherent tendency to assert themselves. If one of the puppies is more timid than others and is not confident, schäFerhunde suchen ein zuhause it could be a warning sign. A good German Shepherd should also have a a firm, consistent grip when picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in a strong scissor bite, with the upper row of teeth being slightly larger than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom and have pointed tips that be slightly droopy when in rest.

The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that is used in many different ways like herding or searching and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. This versatility makes it one the most sought-after breeds across the entire world. However, it is important to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily dependent on its background and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds have high levels of resilience and can thrive in a variety different conditions. They are excellent companions, therapy dogs and service animals. They are also adept at advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their strong work ethic and instincts can even inspire them to search and rescue missions, police work, and military careers. Despite these amazing talents, as with most breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health conditions.

GSDs, being a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause discomfort and even lameness as your dog gets older. A healthy breeding program and regular veterinary examinations can help minimize the effects.

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are also prone to bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus), in which the stomach expands to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the liver and spleen. If left untreated, bloat is an extremely serious condition that requires immediate medical care.

GSDs may also suffer from heat stroke due to their thick, long dark coats. On hot days, make sure to keep them well-hydrated and provide them with plenty of shade. We also check their eyes during every exam for signs of pannus, an eye disease that is immune-mediated and can cause blindness if not treated promptly.

Many hereditary and inherited diseases can impact your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma tumors of the blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPI), von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the cushion of jelly that divides the vertebrae of the spine breaks or sags creating pressure on the spinal cord. Signs of IVDD include an inability to go up stairs or jump, a hunched back, pain when touching, and dragging the rear feet.

Lastly, as with most dogs, deutscher Schäferhund zu verkaufen you'll want to ensure that you keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food, which can contribute to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. It is also important to clean their coat frequently to keep it healthy and clean. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and then, but too much can take away the natural oils that keep their coat clean and shiny.