The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD embodies the ideal balance of agility and strength. Their exceptional training capabilities and protection instincts make them beloved pets for families.
When shopping for purebred german shepherd dogs, look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. You can determine reputable breeders by requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely affectionate to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard says that the GSD must be steady of temperament, confident and courageous. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium in size slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is bushy and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The dog's long neck, with a slight slope, is a characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound, but it has serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong, but not excessively exaggerated. The rear leg should not go forward of the point where the forefoot leaves an imprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drives. These are behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as the pursuit of prey. If these drives aren't fulfilled through work or play this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds have been developed to reduce these urges. However, they need lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balance life.
GSDs are usually cautious around strangers and could be initially suspicious of them. This is a characteristic that makes them excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When socialized properly from a young age they can be wonderful pets for families. They are also great with kids.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resistant to illnesses, but it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that may affect its quality of living. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays, and ensuring regular vaccinations are given to the dog will lower the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, and highly trainable. They are a working breed and excel in a variety of jobs, including herding, police work, search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection and guiding blind. They are also great family pets. However, this powerful and confident breed requires an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to channel their energy and strength in a positive way. They need a lot of exercise and room, and may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a solid and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert and they are suspicious of strangers. This watchful and protective behavior can escalate into aggression when not properly trained, socialized and controlled. These dogs are very intelligent and can be insecure and bored, which is why they require an outlet to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is receptive and respectful. Max von Stephanitz was not one of those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, as well as an ideal body structure. He refused to breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with steep angles on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to fulfill its primary duties.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every dog breed German Shepherds are also prone to cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. They also can develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. You should give plenty of time to play and run around in a safe area away from traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you visit your vet regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health record, but some health issues do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of clotting blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo strenuous training. This means that they can develop joint problems. One of the most common is hip dysplasia. It is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the cartilage and joint which can cause lameness, pain, and other symptoms. It is not a major condition but can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, which includes the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia are not breeding.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds can be affected by panosteitis, which causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the limbs. The condition is particularly frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through an enormous growth spurt.
The dogs require a diet that is high in protein, and a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. They may benefit from joint-support in their food including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should exercise moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if compatible with other dogs, playing together, but should not run at full speed as it can cause joint damage.
Table food or animal bones should be avoided, because they can cause vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements to help break down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the guidance of a knowledgeable handler. They are a great choice for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. However, their dedication to their job makes them a wonderful family pet when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising an equidistant GSD is socialization. As a puppy expose your puppy to different people and animals. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and teach them to trust people from a young age.
It requires patience, perseverance and positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling, or physical punishment, which could result in fear-based aggression. Instead, use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund can be just as important as physical exercises for the GSD particularly in a busy or chaotic household. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by road noises or storms or other dogs in the park, or crowds at competitions and public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible 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 avoided through responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle adjustments.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. When they are exposed to children at a young age they can be friendly and gentle with smaller animals like cats. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength, but they should be watched when around young children. If they're not being exposed to enough socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he gets the training and socialization he requires to be successful.