The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Its exceptional training ability and natural instincts to protect make them loved family dogs.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog select breeders who value the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree documents and prior health clearances can help you identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their family and can be fearless guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be steady of temperament, self-assured, and courageous. It must also be respectful and willing to please.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized and slightly elongated. It has a double coat that consists of an outer layer of hardness, and a softer undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. The ears are large at the base and pointed. When the dog is lying down on its back, the tail becomes big and swollen. It reaches below the hocks. The breed's long neck with a slightly sloping slope is a characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally healthy however, it does have some serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns, which hinder the proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful but not overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should not go forward of the point where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drive. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection as well as the pursuit of prey. When these high drives aren't satisfied in some way 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 a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are generally reserved around strangers and may be initially suspicious of them. This makes them excellent guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are great family pets when properly socialized from a young age and they're typically great with children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resilient against illness, however it is also susceptible to certain health issues that could affect its quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. Preventing these conditions by limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation, and ensuring it is vaccinated regularly can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also capable of training. They are a working breed and excel in a variety of jobs, including herding, police work including search and rescue as well as detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind people. They are also excellent companions for families. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to use their strength and energy in a positive way. 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 strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior could turn into aggression. These dogs are very intelligent and can be very independent and easily bored, so they need an outlet to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is friendly and well-behaved. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, and an ideal 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 would undermine the breed's ability to perform its traditional work.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs that have a high blood supply. They also can develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with proper diet and exercise. It is important to give plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a safe area away from traffic. Keep him clean by scrubbing his dense double coat on a regular basis and using a de-shedding device or undercoat rake to remove hairs that have fallen off. You should also make sure that you take him to the vet on a regular basis to have regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health record, but health problems are present. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop eye conditions and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. Both male and female dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of clotting blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they go through rigorous training. As a result, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other symptoms. It's not always a serious issue however it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results to inform 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 who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis. This causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the legs. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
They require an enriched diet rich in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to ensure a healthy coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis are able to benefit from a diet that has joint support, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should exercise moderately, such as multiple walks and, if they are compatible with other dogs playing together, but they should not run at full speed as this can damage growing joints.
Table food or animal bones should be avoided, because they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion and digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, highly trainable dogs who thrive under the guidance of a knowledgeable handler. This makes them an excellent choice for police and military work in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a wonderful pet, if they are properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. As a puppy expose your puppy different animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure and help them trust people from an early age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment, which could result in fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also important to provide your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important to a GSD as physical exercise, especially if you live in a household with lots of people. german shepherd kaufen can help them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by sounds or storms or other dogs in the park, or the crowds at competitions and public events.
German Shepherds are at risk of a number of health conditions such as hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions are preventable with responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle choices.
Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. When they are exposed to children as young as they can be incredibly friendly and gentle with smaller animals like cats. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength, but they should be watched when they are around children. They may also show indications of a genetic predisposition towards aggression if not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he requires to thrive.