10 Tips To Build Your Purebred German Shepherd Empire
Adopting a Purebred German Shepherd
Consistency, positive reinforcement and rewarding dog training are vital for German Shepherds. They are smart and eager to please and fast learners.
Their work ethic and dedication makes them naturally vigilant of family members and they can be trained to assist in security. They are very active and require ample space for exercise. belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich need early socialization, obedience training and to develop into confident and 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 herding capabilities. It took him years to find foundation stocks that matched his requirements physically and mentally. Finally, at a dog show in 1899, he saw the appearance of a German shepherd named Hektor Linksrhein. Hektor was the product of many generations of selective breeding and He perfectly matched Von Stephanitz's vision for what a herding breed ought to 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 during the second half 19th century. They were able preserve some of the traits that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these characteristics continue to make the German Shepherd breed famous today. For example, a study found that German Shepherds master tasks in just five repetitions, and they obey the first command at least 95% of the time.
The same traits make this breed among the best police and military working dogs, and also a beloved pet for families. If properly trained and socialized, these dogs are great companions for children and other pets. They tend to be cautious around strangers, but are generally affectionate with people they love. If they're not socialized as puppies, however they German Shepherd may have difficulty adapting to new environments later in life and may become stressed or anxious.
Because of their strong instincts to protect German Shepherds have a tendency to be wary around strangers and are good guard dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them extremely capable of being trained. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up to 30 miles an hour.
Because of their wide range of uses and popularity, you'll find a wide variety of different German Shepherds in the world. The breed's distinctive features are easy to recognize, particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for help in identifying the breed if are not sure. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be capable of helping you quickly and easily.
Characteristics
If you're thinking about purchasing or adopting a purebred German Shepherd it's important that you choose a reputable German Shepherd breeder with pedigree documents that can be traced back several generations. Reputable breeders will also be members of organizations such as the American Kennel Club, which will give you additional assurances of their honesty.
A purebred German Shepherd has a hearty, deep-chested athletic build and a distinctive coats of black and tan. Adult males weigh 65 to 90 pounds and are approximately 24 to 26 inches tall, whereas females are typically smaller at 50-70 lbs and 22 to 25 inch tall. They have a long, straight ears and a sharp stare. A well-trained German Shepherd may seem intimidating but it will be loyal to its owner and will not display aggressive behavior towards humans or other dogs.
They are quick learners and extremely intelligent. Early and consistent socialization is essential to their growth as confident, well-mannered family pets. They're natural guardians and vigilant over their families, but will likely be open to strangers who aren't an threat.
These agile, powerful dogs are suited to many kinds of jobs and excel in military and police duty as well as in the role of service dogs for the disabled. They have a powerful prey drive and will likely chase smaller animals. Therefore, a secure environment that provides plenty of interaction with other animals is crucial.
German Shepherds are loyal, protective and respectful when they are properly socialized and trained. They are typically wary of other dogs and strangers However, with early socialization and positive training, they'll be able to engage in playful interactions 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 well chiseled. The shoulders should be wide and square and have an even, straight back that's only slightly sloped from the croup to the croup. A curly back or a large curvature of the rear legs is a sign of poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless smooth stride that is driven by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and curious dogs who are well-behaved, but not too eager to please. They are loyal to their family and are wary of strangers. This makes them a good guard dog. They thrive with active owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They require regular exercise and a large yard to play in. If they aren't adequately stimulated, they could use destructive methods such as chewing or digging.
When choosing a breeder select a person 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 the puppies. He or she will also tell you whether the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy has not been socialized, it will require extensive obedience and behavior training to get it ready to be a family pet.
Puppies must be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting their rights. If one of the puppies is more timid than others and is not confident, it could be a warning sign. Additionally, a good German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.
The muzzle is long and strong with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes should be dark and almond shaped. The nose must be black (blue or red-colored noses are disqualifying). The teeth should be white and join in a strong scissor bite, with the top row of teeth being slightly larger than the bottom. The ears are wide and erect at the base with pointed tips. They may droop a little when at rest.
The German Shepherd is a very adaptable dog that can be employed in a variety of different tasks like herding, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. But, it is important to keep in mind that the temperament of a German Shepherd can be heavily influenced by its upbringing and training.
Health
Purebred German Shepherds have an impressive level of resilience and are able to thrive in a variety different situations. This makes them ideal therapy dogs, service animals, and faithful companions. They also excel in advanced obedience and protection training as well as competitive dog sports. Their dedication to work and instincts could lead them to missions of search and rescue, police work, and military careers. Despite these impressive talents as with all breeds, GSDs are susceptible to certain health issues.
GSDs, as a larger breed are more susceptible to joint problems such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. These degenerative conditions can cause pain and lameness as your dog ages. Regular medical examinations by a veterinarian can reduce the impact.
German Shepherds are prone to the condition known as bloat. It is an illness in which the stomach twists and fills up with gas, cutting off blood supply to the liver and spleen. If not treated, bloat could be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.
Because of their long, thick coats as well as their darker coloring GSDs are also susceptible to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade on hot days. We also examine their eyes at every visit for indications of pannus, an immune-mediated eye disease that can cause blindness if not treated promptly.
Many hereditary and inherited diseases can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including Hemangiosarcoma cancer of blood vessels, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The jelly-like cushion between vertebrae in the spine may rupture or slide and cause pressure to the spinal cord. The symptoms of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump.
As with all dogs, it is important to keep your German Shepherd on a high-quality diet and avoid table food that can cause weight growth and nutritional deficiencies. Brush their coat regularly to keep an appearance that is clean and healthy. It's okay to give your dog a bath every now and again, but too much can remove the natural oils which keep their coat clean and shiny.