The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Their high trainability and the ability to protect make them beloved pets for families.
When you are shopping for purebred german shepherd dogs Find breeders that have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their animals. You can identify trustworthy breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are incredibly strong intelligent dogs that are capable of training. They are loyal to their families and are able to be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be confident and courageous, as well as possess a steady temperament. It must also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized 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 eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned in a oblique manner. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is slender and reaches to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns, which hinder the proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs As working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protection and hunting prey). If these high-drives are not satisfied in some way, such as through work or playing or playing, it can result in aggression. Show-type German Shepherds are developed to reduce these urges. However, they require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep a balanced life.
GSDs tend to be reserved and suspicious towards strangers at first. This trait of protection makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are wonderful pets for families when they are socialized properly from a young age, and they're typically great with children.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resilient against illnesses, but it is also susceptible to certain health issues that could impact its quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays, and ensuring it is regularly vaccinated will help reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly trainable. They are an active dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. deutschen schäferhund kaufen are also great family pets. However, this powerful and confident breed needs a clear sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to use their strength and energy positively. They need a lot of exercise and room, and may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can escalate into aggression if not properly trained, socialized, and controlled. These dogs can be intelligent, independent and easily bored. They need to 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 create the obedient and responsive breed that we have today. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds as a showpiece and made sure his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, and solid body structure. He did not breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable or with a steep angle on their croups or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to perform its primary duties.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can affect any breed of dog, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. They also can develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues ensure your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him an appropriate diet and exercise. You should give plenty of time to play and run around in a safe area away from traffic. Keep him clean by brushing his dense double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake to get rid of hairs that are loose. You should also visit your vet regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects the ability of clotting blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and consequently, they are subject to rigorous training. As a result, they can develop joint problems. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes pain, lameness and other signs. This is not always a serious issue but it can cause pain for dogs.
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, including the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia are not breed.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the legs. 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 require an enriched diet rich in protein with a generous mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to maintain skin and coat health. They may benefit from joint-support in their food including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs under the age of 18 months should get moderate exercise like walking and playing with another dog if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at a high speed, since this could cause damage to their joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food, as they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies could benefit from a probiotic supplement to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should supply the appropriate amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable and biddable dogs who thrive under a knowledgeable trainer's guidance. They are therefore a good choice for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a great pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step to raising a well adjusted GSD. As a puppy expose your puppy different people and animals. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and help them trust people at an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance and positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods such as shouting and physical punishment as they can trigger fear-based aggression. Instead, use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to the GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have a household with lots of people. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by road noises or thunderstorms or other dogs in the park, or crowds during competitions or public events.
German Shepherds are at risk of various health issues, including hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle adjustments.
Despite their fearsome reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are often friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are they are exposed to them from a young age. Their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be observed around children who are younger. If they're not exposed enough to socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he receives the training and socialization that he needs to flourish.