The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Its high trainability and natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd dog, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. You can find reputable breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong intelligent dogs that are easily capable of being trained. They are extremely affectionate to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard states that a GSD should be self-confident, courageous, and have a steady temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat consisting of a hard outer layer, and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is bushy and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is at rest. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, and the spine is firm.
In general, the breed is sound however, serious issues include roached backs and lengthy pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drives. These are the behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as chasing of prey. If 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 manner that helps dampen these drives however they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live a balanced life.
GSDs are usually shy around strangers and can be initially suspicious of them. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs. It requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They make wonderful family pets when properly socialized from a young age, and are generally good with children.
The GSD is resilient to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can impact the quality of its life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays, and ensuring it is regularly vaccinated will reduce the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of being trained. They are a working breed that excel at a variety of jobs, including herding, police work, search and rescue as well as bomb and drug detection and guiding blind. They also make excellent pets for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs a clear sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to channel their energy and strength in a positive manner. They require plenty of space and exercise and might not be suited to apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a solid and steady temperament. They are loyal, alert, and suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can become aggression. These dogs can be intelligent, independent and easily bored. They need to find a way to satisfy their natural 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 kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we know today. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and made sure his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding impulses, and a sound body structure. He even refused to breed certain dogs that had unstable temperaments or sharp angles in their croups and front and rear pasterns, since he believed that these traits could hamper the breed's ability to perform its work.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the spleen and liver organs, which have a higher blood supply. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This includes giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to run and play outside in a secure area away from traffic and other hazards. Regularly brush his double coat using tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. Also, make sure that you take him to the vet on a regular basis for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they do have certain health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections, www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. Both female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of clotting blood.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they go through rigorous training. This means that they are prone to developing joint issues. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of cartilage and joint that can result in pain, lameness and other signs. It's not a serious condition but can be painful for the dog.
Reputable breeders X-ray their dogs and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic background, including the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high likelihood of developing the disorder aren't breed.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. The condition is especially prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through a large growth spurt.
The dogs need food that is high in protein with a generous mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins for a healthy coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis are able to benefit from a diet with joint support, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should be exercising moderately including multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog playing together, but should not run at full speed as this can damage growing joints.
Feeding table food or animal bones should be avoided as these can cause digestive upset, vomiting anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs could benefit from a probiotic supplement to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements are not required since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, highly trainable dogs who thrive under the guidance by a knowledgeable handler. This makes them a great choice for military and police tasks such as search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in establishing an equidistant GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and animals at an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and going to local dog parks. This will make them feel more comfortable and secure and will teach them to trust people at an early age.
It requires patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods such as physical and verbal punishment, as they can trigger fear-based aggression. Instead, you should use reward-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, especially if you live in a busy household. This will help keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to become distracted by noises from the street or thunderstorms or other dogs in the park or crowds at competitions and public events.
Certain health conditions that are unique to German Shepherds are Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions are preventable with responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. When they are around children at a young age they can be friendly and gentle with smaller pets like cats. Their size and strength make them formidable guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. If they are not exposed enough to socialization and training and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they are receiving the proper education and socialization they require to thrive.