The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD represents the perfect balance of agility and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog Look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their animals. You can find trustworthy breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful intelligent dogs that are capable of being trained. They are extremely loyal to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self-assured and brave. It should also be obedient and willing to please.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly longer. It has a distinct double coat made up of a hard outer layer and an undercoat that is soft. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. Its ears are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is bushy and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is solid.
The breed is generally sound however it is prone to serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder the proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not exaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point where the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs As working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral tendencies and desires towards things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). If these drives aren't fulfilled through work or play, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that helps dampen these drives but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are usually cautious around strangers and could be suspicious of them at first. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs. It requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when they are socialized properly from a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD is resilient to illness and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can affect the quality of its life. These include seizures, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation and making sure it receives regular vaccinations can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn, and highly capable of training. They are an active dog breed that excels at a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel in the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as helping blind people. They are also excellent family members. However, this powerful and confident breed requires a clear sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to use their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require plenty of exercise and space, and may not be a good fit in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm and stable temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior can become aggression. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, but they can also be bored. They need to find ways to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to a breed that is responsive and respectful. He disagreed with people who wanted German Shepherds to be a display dog, and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a sound body structure. He was against breeding dogs with temperaments that were unstable or with steep angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would impede the ability of the breed to perform its usual tasks.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that can affect any breed of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. They can also develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. You should allow him plenty of time to run and play in a secure area away from traffic. Regularly brush your double coat, using tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to visit your vet regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. They may also be affected by an inherited disease called hereditary von Willebrand's disease that affects their capacity to clot blood and is found in both female and male dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they go through strenuous training. In the process, they may develop joint issues. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other signs. It's not a serious condition but can be painful for the dog.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing the disorder aren't bred.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can lead to pain and stiffness. This condition is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
These dogs need an diet rich in protein, with a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. They will benefit from joint support in their diet including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months should be given moderate exercise such as walking and playing with another dog, if they are compatible. However, they should not run at full speed as this could damage their growing joints.
Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals should be avoided, as these can cause digestive upset, vomiting anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages could benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that aid in the breakdown of proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements aren't necessary, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable and biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled guide's supervision. As such, they are an excellent choice for military and police work in search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a great pet, if properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well adjusted GSD. From an early age expose your puppy different animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new environment and ensure that they learn to trust humans at an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance and positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling, or physical punishment, which could lead to fear based aggression. Instead, you should use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also important to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. The exercises for mental stimulation are as essential for an GSD as physical exercise, especially in the case of a busy household. This will help to keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to get distracted by street noises, thunderstorms or other dogs in the park, or the crowds at competitions and other public events.
Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds are hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones as well as the lungs and intestinal tract as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter entzückendescäferhundwelpen are generally affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if exposed to them from an early age. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength however, they must be monitored when around young children. If they are not sufficiently exposed to training and socialization they could show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure that they are receiving the proper education and socialization they require to thrive.