The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Their ability to train and their protection instincts make them cherished family pets.
When shopping for a purebred german shepherd Look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances can help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful intelligent dogs that are capable of training. They are incredibly affectionate to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard says that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self-assured and courageous. It must also be tractable and willing to please.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set obliquely. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is long and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The long, slightly sloping neck is a characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is strong.
The breed is generally healthy however, it does have some serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not overly so. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point where the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). If these high-drives aren't satisfied in some way through work or play and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that can help reduce these urges however they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs are generally reserved and suspicious towards strangers at first. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized at a young age, they make wonderful pets for families. They also make great kids.
The GSD is a resilient species to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of its life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays and making sure that it receives routine vaccinations should lower the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart, eager to learn, and extremely capable of being trained. They are an active breed that excels at a variety of jobs, such as police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel in bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They are also excellent pet for families. However, this powerful and confident breed needs an unwavering 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 may not be suitable for apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a strong temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can become aggression. These dogs are very smart and can be independent and easily bored, so they need a good outlet for their curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds in his breeding program to create the obedient and responsive breed that we know today. He disagreed with people who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments and strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He even refused to breed some of his dogs who had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups as well as rear and front pasterns because he believed that these characteristics could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its work.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs that have a high blood supply. They may also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with an appropriate diet and exercise. You should allow him plenty of time to play and run around in a safe place away from traffic. Regularly brush your double coat with a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also important to ensure that you take him to the veterinarian on a regular basis for his routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects their ability to clot the blood.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they undergo rigorous training. As a result, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that causes lameness, pain and other signs. This is not a serious condition, but it can be painful to the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, which includes the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breed.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis. This causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. This condition is most frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through an enormous growth spurt.
The dogs need a diet high in protein with a generous mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins for skin and coat health. These dogs can benefit from food with joints-supporting ingredients, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months must be given moderate exercise such as walking and playing with a different dog if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at a high speed, as this could damage their joints that are growing.
Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals should be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart high-trained dogs who thrive when they're under the supervision of a skilled handler. They are therefore a good choice for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. However, their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step towards creating a well-adjusted GSD. From a young age expose your puppy various animals and people. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel confident and comfortable in a new setting and will help them develop trust in humans from an early age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling or physical punishment that could cause fear-based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises can be as important as physical exercise for a GSD, especially in a busy or chaotic household. This helps keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to become distracted by noises from the street or thunderstorms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events or public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions that include Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and the intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are devoted family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. When they are around children from a young age, they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets such as cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength but they should be supervised when they are around young children. If they are not sufficiently exposed to training and socialization they could show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and socialization that he needs to flourish.