The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of strength and speed. Its high trainability and natural instincts to protect make them cherished family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. You can determine reputable breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are easily capable of training. They are loyal to their family and are able to be fearless guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be a steady temperament, self-assured and courageous. It must also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinctive double coat that consists of a hard outer layer as well as a soft undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is long and reaches to below the hocks when the dog is lying down. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound, but it has serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful, but not excessively exaggerated. The rear leg should never go in the direction of where the forefoot makes an impression.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protection and hunting prey). If these high-drives are not satisfied in some way, like through play or work or playing, it can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that can help reduce these urges however they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs are typically reserved around strangers and may be suspicious of them at first. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when socialized properly from a young age, and they're generally great with children.
The GSD is a resilient species to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. The best way to prevent these diseases is to limit your dog's exposure to UV radiation, and ensuring it receives regular vaccinations can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are a working breed that excel in a variety tasks, such as herding, police work such as search and rescue as well as detection of drugs and bombs, and guiding the blind. They also make excellent companions for families. This powerful and confident breed requires a clear goal and the attention and focus of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require lots of space and exercise and might not be suited to apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a solid and steady temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggression. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They must find ways to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is receptive and respectful. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted to use German Shepherds as a showpiece and made sure his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, and solid body structure. He even 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 because he believed that these characteristics could hamper the breed's ability to do its job as it is.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that affect every breed of dog, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. They also can develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen can prevent these conditions by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. You should give him ample time to play and run outdoors in a safe area away from traffic. Regularly brush your double coat, using tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to bring him to the vet regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health history, however some health issues do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop conditions 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 hinders their ability to clot the blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo rigorous training. In the process, they are prone to developing joint issues. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, characterized by a lack of growth and development of the joint and cartilage, leading to pain, lameness, and other symptoms. This is not always a serious condition but it can cause pain for dogs.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy and its genetic history, including the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can cause stiffness and pain. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
They require an diet rich in protein, as well as a generous blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to help maintain the health of their coat and skin. These dogs can benefit from food with joint support, such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs younger than 18 months should get 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 growing joints.
Foods that are table-based or contain animal bones must be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies may benefit from a probiotic supplementation to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements are not necessary, as 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 supervision of a skilled handler. They are therefore a great option for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a great pet, provided they are well-socialized and properly trained.
The first step to raising an equidistant GSD is socialization. From a young age expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel confident and comfortable in a new setting and ensure that they become comfortable with humans at 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 result in fear-based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also important to give your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to the GSD as physical exercise, especially in the case of a busy household. This will help to keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to get distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms or other dogs in the park or the crowds at competitions or public events.
German Shepherds are at risk of various health issues, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are loving family dogs, despite their reputation as being fearsome. They are generally friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are exposed to them at an early age. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength but they should be watched when around young children. If they're not exposed enough to socialization and training and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he requires to be successful.