5 Purebred German Shepherd Projects That Work For Any Budget

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 and fast learners.

They are naturally protective of their family members due to their solid work character. They are able to be trained to ensure security. They are energetic and need ample space for 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 that could not be matched in herding abilities. It took years to find a foundation breed that would meet his requirements physically and in temperament. Hektor Linksrhein was a German Shepherd, was finally discovered at a dog show in 1899. Hektor was the result of several generations of selective breeding and he was a perfect match for Von Stephanitz's ideal of what a herding dog ought to be. Hektor was declared to be the first German Shepherd Dog, and von Stephanitz founded the Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde (or Society for the German Shepherd Dog).

In the second half of the 19th century, breeders worked to standardize herding dogs. They were able preserve many of the characteristics that attracted Von Stephanitz, and these traits continue to make the German Shepherd breed popular today. A study found that German Shepherds are able to master tasks with only five repetitions, and they follow the first command 90% of the time.

These traits make this breed a beloved pet for the family and one of the best working dogs for military and police. These dogs make great pets and are great companions for children if they're well-socialized and taught. They are reserved around strangers but they are affectionate with those they love. A German Shepherd that is not socialized early in life may have difficulty adapting to new circumstances and may become anxious or stressed.

German Shepherds are great guard dogs due to their instincts to protect. They are generally extremely smart and eager to please, which makes them extremely adept at training. They are agile, strong and can run at speeds of up 30 miles per hour.

You will find many different German Shepherds around the world because of their versatility and popularity. But the breed's distinctive characteristics are generally easy to identify particularly if you are familiar with the breed standard. Ask your veterinarian for assistance in identifying the breed if are not certain. The majority of veterinarians are familiar with the breed standards for most dogs and will be able to help you quickly and easily.

Characteristics

If you're thinking about adopting or buying a purebred German Shepherd, it's important to locate a reputable breeder who has pedigree papers that can be traced several generations back. Reputable breeders are also part of associations like the American Kennel Club. This will give you more confidence regarding their honesty.

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

They are quick learners and highly intelligent. Socialization is vital to their development into confident and well-mannered pets. They're naturally guardians and vigilant over their families, however they'll most likely allow strangers to enter their homes if they aren't a threat.

These powerful, agile dogs are suitable for a variety of types of work. They 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 safe environment with plenty of positive interactions with other pets is essential.

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

When evaluating the quality of a German Shepherd, look for a wedge-shaped head proportional to its size, deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen deutschen schäferhund kaufen schäferhund baby kaufen deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich - resources - and cleanly chiseled. The shoulders should be broad and square and have an even, straight back that's just slightly inclined from the withers to the croup. A curly back or excessive curvature of the rear legs indicates poor structural alignment. A well-built German Shepherd moves with an effortless easy stride, which is fueled by the forward thrust of its hindquarters.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent, curious dogs that are loyal and gentle without being overly eager to please. They are loyal to their families and are wary of strangers. This makes them a great guard dog. They thrive with owners who challenge them physically and mentally. They need daily exercise, and a large area to play in. If they aren't properly stimulated, they might use destructive methods like chewing or digging.

When selecting a breeder you should look for someone who is dedicated to the breed and is aware of its temperament and personality. A reputable breeder will be able to talk about the history of both the parents and the puppies. He or she can also tell you if the litter has received obedience training and socialization. If a puppy is not socialized, it might require extensive obedience and behavior training to prepare it for its future as an adult member of the family.

Puppies should be curious and outgoing, with a natural tendency for asserting themselves. If one puppy is more reserved than the others this should be interpreted as an indication. Also, a great German Shepherd should have a firm and consistent grasp when being picked up.

The muzzle is strong and long with a well-developed jaw and chin. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped. The nose must be black (blue or liver-colored noses are not acceptable). The teeth should be white and the upper row should be slightly wider than the lower. The ears are erect and wide at the bottom with pointed tips that may drop slightly when resting.

The German Shepherd can be used in a variety of ways. It is a versatile dog and can be employed to herd, search and rescue, identify bombs and drugs or even guide blind people. This versatility makes it one of the most sought-after breeds in the world. It is crucial to keep in mind that the personality of a German Shepherd can be heavily affected by its environment and training.

Health

Purebred German Shepherds possess high levels of resilience and can thrive under a variety of different situations. They make excellent companions, therapy dogs, and service animals. They also excel in competition dog sports, advanced obedience, and protection training. Their dedication to work can lead to careers in search and rescue, police work, or military careers. GSDs, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues despite their amazing capabilities.

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

Like other large breeds German Shepherds are susceptible to Bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) that is when the stomach turns to fill with gas, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen and liver. Bloat can be fatal in the event that it is not treated. It requires immediate medical care.

Due to their thick, long coats and darker coloration GSDs are also more prone to heat stroke. Keep them hydrated and provide plenty of shade during hot days. We also examine their eyes for signs of pannus, an immune-mediated disease that can cause blindness if it is not treated promptly.

Several inherited and hereditary illnesses can affect your German Shepherd's digestive system, including hemangiosarcoma cancer of the blood vessels, exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) as well as von Willebrand disease, and intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). The latter occurs when the jelly-like cushion that separates the vertebrae of the spine is ripped or slips creating pressure on the spinal cord. The signs of IVDD are an inability to climb stairs or jump, a hunched back, pain when touched, and dragging the rear feet.

Like all dogs, you will want to feed your German Shepherd a high quality diet and avoid table food, which can lead to weight increase and nutritional deficiencies. Regularly brush their coats to maintain the appearance of a healthy and tidy. A bath is acceptable every now and then but if you overdo it, it could remove the natural oils which keep a dog's coat healthy and shiny.