The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and speed. Their ability to train and their protective instincts make these dogs beloved pets for families.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog select breeders who value the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. You can find trustworthy breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are incredibly strong, intelligent dogs that are capable of training. They are loyal to their family and are able to be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that the GSD must be confident and courageous. They should also have a steady temperament. It must also be obedient and willing to please.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized and slightly longer. It has a distinct double coat that consists of a hard outer layer as well as an undercoat that is soft. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is lying down in a shady position, the tail is large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. 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.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong however, they should not be overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should never go forward of the point where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high-energy drives. These are the behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and chasing of prey. If these drives aren't fulfilled in some way through work or play this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds have been created to help reduce these urges. However, they need lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep a balanced life.
GSDs are generally cautious and suspicious of strangers initially. This makes them great guard dogs. It requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are great family pets when socialized properly from a young age, and they're generally great with children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resilient against illnesses, but it has certain health conditions that can affect its quality of living. schäferhunde kaufen includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Preventing these conditions by limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation, and ensuring it receives regular vaccinations can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are a working breed and excel in a variety jobs, including herding, police work, search and rescue bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. They also make great family companions. 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 well-balanced and confident, with a solid and steady temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. This guardian and attentive behaviour can become aggressive when not properly trained, socialized, and controlled. These dogs can be intelligent and independent, but they can also be bored. They need to find ways to satisfy 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 responsive and obedient breed that we see today. He did not agree with those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece, and he made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments with strong herding instincts and a solid body structure. He also refused to breed certain dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups as well as front and rear pasterns, as he believed these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its work.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every breed of dog, German Shepherds are prone to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a safe space free of traffic and other dangers. Regularly brush your double coat, using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. You should also make sure that you take him to the vet on a regular basis for his routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have certain health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. Both male and female 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 undergo rigorous training. In the process, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other signs. This is not a serious condition but can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, including the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high chance of developing the disorder aren't bred.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis. This causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the limbs. The condition is especially common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.
These dogs require an enriched diet rich in protein and a large mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins to ensure a healthy coat and skin. These dogs are able to benefit from a diet that has joints-supporting ingredients, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should exercise moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if they are compatible with another dog playing together, but should not be allowed to run at full speed, as this can damage growing joints.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food, as they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies can benefit from a probiotic supplementation to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to assist in breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled trainer's guidance. They are therefore a good choice for police, military search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them an excellent pet, provided they are properly trained and socialized.
The first step to raising an equidistant GSD is socialization. From a young age expose your puppy to various animals and people. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel confident and comfortable in a new place and will help them develop trust in humans at an early age.
It takes patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling, or physical punishment, which can lead to fear based aggression. Use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is crucial for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important to the GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of a busy household. This helps keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms or other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events or public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and the intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. When they are exposed to children as young as, they can be tender and loving towards smaller pets like cats. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when they are around young children. If they are not being exposed to enough training and socialization and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he requires to be successful.