The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and speed. Its high trainability and natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog Find breeders that practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances will help you identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are trainable. They are extremely loyal to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard says that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self assured, and courageous. It should also be obedient and willing to obey.
The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinctive double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and positioned obliquely. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is long and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is at rest. The dog's long neck, with a slight slope, is distinctive. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
In general, the breed is sound, but serious faults include roached backs and long pasterns that interfere with correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly so. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protection and chasing prey). If these high-drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, such as playing or at work and it can lead to aggression. Show-type German Shepherds have been bred to help dampen these urges. However, they still need lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep their lives in balance.
GSDs are generally shy and cautious towards strangers at first. This protective trait makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. They are great family pets when properly socialized from a young age, and are generally good with children.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resilient against illness, however it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that may affect its quality of living. These include seizures and epilepsy and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. Preventing these conditions by limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation and ensuring that you get regular vaccinations will aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly trainable. They are a working dog breed that excels at many tasks, including herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel in bomb and drug detection and aiding blind people. They are also great pet for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require lots of space and exercise. They might not be suited to apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a firm temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggression. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, yet easily bored. They must 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 develop the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we see today. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and an ideal body structure. He did not breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with sharp angles on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to fulfill its usual tasks.
German Shepherds can also be prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the liver and spleen, organs with heightened blood supply. They also can develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these conditions by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This includes providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to run and play outside in a safe space free of traffic and other hazards. Keep him looking neat by scrubbing his dense double coat on a regular basis, using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove loose hairs. It is also important to ensure that you take him to the veterinarian regularly for his routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health history, however some health issues are present. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Both female and male dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of dogs to clot blood.
As a working breed GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint problems as a result. A common one is hip dysplasia, characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the cartilage and joint that can result in discomfort, lameness, and other symptoms. It isn't always a serious condition however it can be painful for dogs.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic background, including the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breeding.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds can be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the joints. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
The dogs require food that is rich in protein, as well as a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to help maintain healthy coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their food including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should have moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog playing together, but should not be allowed to run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Feeding table food or bones from animals must be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, digestive upset, anorexia, and pancreatitis. entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de and adult dogs may benefit from a probiotic supplementation to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid in the breakdown of proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, highly trainable dogs who thrive under the guidance of a skilled handler. They are therefore a good choice for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their constant loyalty makes them a great pet, if they are properly socialized and trained.
Socialization is the first step in creating a well-adjusted GSD. Expose your puppy to a range of people and animals from a young age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure and teach them to trust people from a young age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods like shouting and physical punishment as they can cause 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. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to the GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have a busy household. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by street sounds or storms, other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions or public events.
German Shepherds are at risk of a number of health conditions such as hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. They are usually friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if exposed to them at the age of. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when around young children. If they are not sufficiently exposed to socialization and training, they may show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure they are receiving the proper education and socialization they require to flourish.