The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and agility. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog, look for breeders who have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances will help you identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are highly trainable. They are incredibly affectionate to their families and can be fearless protectors of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self-assured and courageous. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinctive double coat that consists of a hard outer layer as well as a soft undercoat. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. Its ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is long and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is at rest. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound, but it has serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful 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 towards things like territorial protectiveness and chasing prey). If these high-drives aren't fulfilled through play or work this 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 in order to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are typically cautious around strangers and could be cautious at first. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When socialized properly from a young age they can be wonderful family pets. They're also great with children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is able to fight off illness, however it does have certain health issues that could affect its quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. The best way to prevent these diseases is to limit your dog's exposure to UV rays, and ensuring it is vaccinated regularly can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and highly capable of being trained. They are an active dog breed that excels at many jobs, such as police work, herding and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and helping blind people. They also make great companions for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to use their strength and energy in a positive way. They need a lot of exercise and space and may not be a good fit in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a solid and stable temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are suspicious of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior could turn into aggressive. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They need to find a way to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds, in his breeding program to develop the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we have today. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding impulses, as well as an ideal body structure. He did not breed 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 traditional tasks.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the spleen and liver organs, which have a higher blood supply. They can also develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a proper diet and exercise. It is important to give him plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a secure area away from traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to bring him to the vet regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. Both male and female dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects the ability of clotting blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo rigorous training. This means that they are prone to developing joint issues. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, characterized by a lack of growth and development of cartilage and joint that can result in pain, lameness, and other symptoms. It's not a serious condition, but it can be painful to the dog.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic background of the puppy, including how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't bred.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can lead to stiffness and pain. The condition is particularly frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through the midst of a massive growth spurt.
german shepherd kaufen Entzückende Schäferhund Welpen require food that is high in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to ensure skin and coat health. Dogs with arthritis are able to benefit from a diet that has joint support, like the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise like walking or playing with a dog if they're compatible. However they shouldn't run at full speed, since this could cause damage to their joints that are growing.
Table food or bones from animals should be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, digestive upset, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies can benefit from a probiotic supplement to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required in the sense that a well-formulated and approved AAFCO diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, highly trainable dogs who thrive when they're under the direction of a skilled handler. They are a great option for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them an excellent pet, provided they are properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. Expose your puppy to a variety of people and animals from a young age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel secure and at ease in a new place and will help them learn to trust 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, which can result in fear-based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also crucial to give your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. The exercises for mental stimulation are as essential for the GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have a busy household. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by road noises or storms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds during competitions or public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions such as Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are devoted family dogs, despite their reputation as being fearsome. When they are exposed to children from a young age, they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets like cats. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic tendency toward aggression if they are not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he requires to flourish.