The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of agility and strength. Their ability to train and their protective instincts make these dogs loved family pets.
When you are shopping for purebred german shepherd dogs Find breeders that practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. You can find reliable breeders by asking for documents on pedigrees and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easily capable of training. They are loyal to their family and are able to be fearless guardians. The breed standard says that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self assured and courageous. It should also be able to be handled and willing to please.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat that consists of a hard outer layer as well as an undercoat that is soft. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and slightly set. Its ears are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is long and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is strong.
The breed is generally healthy, but it has serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not overly so. The rear leg should never go beyond the point where the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drives. These are behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and chasing of prey. When these high drives aren't fulfilled in some way through play or work, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were bred to help dampen these drives. However, they require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a balance life.
GSDs tend to be shy and cautious towards strangers at first. This trait of protection makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are wonderful pets for families when socialized properly from a young age, and they're typically great with children.
The GSD is resilient to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can negatively impact the quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and ensuring that it is regularly vaccinated will lower the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn and extremely trainable. They are a working dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, 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 pets. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require a lot of space and exercise and may not be suitable for apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm and stable temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior could turn into aggressive. These dogs are very intelligent and can be independent and easily bored, and they require an outlet that can satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is receptive and well-behaved. He was opposed to those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece and he made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and sound body structure. He refused to breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, 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 perform its traditional tasks.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs that have a high blood supply. They can also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a an appropriate diet and exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and schäFerhunde Suchen ein zuhause play outdoors, in a safe area away from traffic and other hazards. Regularly brush your double coat, using a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you visit your vet regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have certain health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. They may also suffer from an illness that is genetic, known as hereditary von Willebrand's disease which affects their ability to clot blood, and is found in both male and female dogs.
As a working breed many GSDs undergo strenuous exercise during their training, and they can suffer from joint issues as a result. The most frequent is hip dysplasia. It is characterized by improper growth and development of the joint and cartilage which can cause discomfort, lameness, and other symptoms. It isn't always a serious condition, but it can cause pain for dogs.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, which includes the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia do not breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. The condition is especially common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are experiencing an enormous growth spurt.
The dogs require food that is rich in protein, as well as a generous blend of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to help maintain a healthy skin and coat. Dogs with arthritis will benefit from a diet that contains joints-supporting ingredients, such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs younger than 18 months age should exercise moderately including multiple walks and, if compatible with other dogs, playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at full speed, as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.
Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals should be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies can benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to assist with breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive under the direction by a knowledgeable handler. As such, they are an excellent choice for police and military tasks, search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their dedication to their job makes them a great family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step to raising a well adjusted GSD. Expose your puppy to a variety of people and animals from an early age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and help them trust people from a young age.
It takes patience, consistency, as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling or physical punishment, which could result in fear-based aggression. Instead, you should use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also essential to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises can be just as important as physical exercises for an GSD especially in a chaotic or busy household. This can help them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by sounds or storms, other dogs at the park, or the crowds at competitions and public events.
Some health conditions that are unique to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
Despite their infamous reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are usually loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are they are exposed to them from an early age. However, their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. They could also display indications of a genetic tendency toward aggression if they are not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and socialization that he needs to flourish.