The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Their exceptional training capabilities and protection instincts make them loved family pets.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog select breeders who value the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. You can identify reputable breeders by requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely loyal to their families and can be fearless protectors of them. Breed standard states the GSD must be confident, courageous, and have an unwavering temperament. It must also be tractable and willing to please.
The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. Its ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is bushy and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is lying down. The dog's long, slightly sloping neck is distinctive. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is firm.
In general the breed is healthy However, it has some serious flaws. These include roached backs and lengthy pasterns that interfere with correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires towards things like territorial protectiveness and the pursuit of prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled in some way through work or play and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way which helps to reduce these drives, but they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
GSDs are typically shy around strangers and can be initially suspicious of them. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized from a young age they can be wonderful family pets. They also make great children.
The GSD is resilient to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can impact the quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays, and ensuring it is regularly vaccinated will lower the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are an active breed that excels in a variety of jobs, such as herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel in detection of explosives and drugs, and guiding blind people. They also make excellent family companions. This strong and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the attention and focus of a responsible owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require lots of space and exercise. They might not be suited to apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. This protective and watchful behavior can escalate into aggression when not properly trained, socialized and supervised. Dogs with these traits can be smart, independent and easily bored. They must find a way to satisfy their curiosity.
The founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds in his breeding program to develop the obedient and responsive breed that we have today. schäferhund kaufen was not one of those who wanted German Shepherds as a showpiece and made sure his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, as well as a sound body structure. altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen refused to breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with a steep angle on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to carry out its usual tasks.
German Shepherds can also be prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the spleen and liver organs that have a high blood supply. They can also develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
You can avoid these ailments by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to run and play outdoors in a secure area free of traffic and other hazards. Keep him groomed by brushing his thick double coat on a regular basis, using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove loose hairs. You should also take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health history, however some health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections, and may develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. Both male and female can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of dogs to clot blood.
As a working breed, GSDs are often involved in strenuous training and they can suffer from joint issues as a result. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes pain, lameness and other symptoms. This is not a serious condition but can be painful to the dog.
Breeders with a good reputation have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic background of the puppy, as well as the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't bred.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. The condition is especially frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.
They require food that is rich in protein, and a generous blend of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to support healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from joint support in their food including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months must be given moderate exercise like walking or playing with a dog, if they are compatible. However they shouldn't run at full speed as this could damage their joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food, as they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages could benefit from a probiotic supplement to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required in the sense that a well-formulated and approved AAFCO diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable guide's supervision. They are therefore a good option for military, police search and rescue, and therapy dog roles. Their dedication to their job makes them a great family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step towards raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and animals from an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel more secure and confident and teach them to trust people at an early age.
It requires patience, consistency, as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling, or physical punishment, which can result in fear-based aggression. Use schäferhund kaufen and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also essential to provide your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important to an GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have an area with a lot of activity. This will help keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street storms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events or public events.
Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones as well as the lungs and intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are loving family dogs despite their reputation for being feared. They are often loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if exposed to them at the age of. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. If they aren't exposed enough to training and socialization, they may show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure they receive the training and socialization they require to flourish.