The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them loved family dogs.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd select breeders who value the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. You can find trustworthy breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are incredibly strong intelligent dogs that are highly trainable. They are incredibly loyal to their family members and are a fierce protector of them. Breed standard states the GSD must be confident and courageous. They should also have an unwavering temperament. It should 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 double coat made up of a hard outer layer, and a softer undercoat. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned obliquely. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is resting in a shady position, the tail is large and bushy. It is a little below the hocks. The long, slightly sloping neck is characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. reinrassiger schäferhund is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally healthy however, it does have some serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful however, they should not be overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should never pass ahead of the point at which the forefoot makes an impression.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protectiveness and the pursuit of prey). If these high-drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, like through work or playing or playing, it can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way which helps to reduce these drives, but they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to live an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs tend to be cautious and suspicious of strangers initially. This is a characteristic that makes them great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are great family pets when socialized properly from a young age and are generally good with children.
The GSD is a resilient species to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can impact the quality of its life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation and making sure it receives regular vaccinations can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of training. deutscher schäferhund kaufen are a working dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel at the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as helping blind people. They also make excellent family companions. However, this powerful and confident breed needs an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to use their strength and energy positively. They require lots of space and exercise. They might not be suited to apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can turn into aggression if not properly trained, socialized and supervised. These dogs are very smart and can be independent and easily bored, so they need an outlet 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 responsive and obedient breed that we know today. He was opposed to those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and a solid body structure. He even refused to breed certain dogs that were temperamentally unstable or had steep angles in their croups, as well as front and rear pasterns because he believed that these characteristics would undermine the breed's ability to do its job as it is.
In addition to the hereditary disorders that can affect any dog breed German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. They can also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. You should give him plenty of time to run and play in a safe place free of traffic. Keep him clean by brushing his dense double coat regularly and using a de-shedding device or undercoat rake to remove hairs that are loose. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but health problems do exist. They are prone to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from a genetic disease known as hereditary von Willebrand's disease that affects their capacity to clot blood, and can be found in both male and female dogs.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo strenuous training. This means that they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain and other symptoms. It isn't always a serious problem, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy have their dogs X-rayed and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, as well as the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high chance of developing the disorder are not breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
They require food that is rich in protein, with a generous blend of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their diet, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs under the age of 18 months should get moderate exercise such as walking and playing with another dog if they are compatible. However, they should not run at full speed, since this could cause damage to their joints that are growing.
Table food or animal bones must be avoided, because they can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Dogs of all ages may benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should supply the appropriate amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable, biddable dogs that 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 an excellent pet, if properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step to raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and animals from an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel secure and at ease in a new environment and will help them become comfortable with humans at an early age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment that could lead to fear based aggression. Instead, opt for rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important for an GSD as physical exercise, especially in the case of an area with a lot of activity. This can help them to keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to be distracted by street noises or thunderstorms and other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events and public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues such as Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are loving family dogs despite their reputation as being fearsome. When they are around children at a young age they can be incredibly affectionate and gentle towards smaller animals like cats. They are extremely effective guardians due their size and strength, but they should be supervised when they are around children. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic predisposition to aggression if 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 needs to thrive.