The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Its high trainability and natural protective instincts make them loved family dogs.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. You can find reputable breeders by requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and are able to be fierce guardians. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have a calm and steady temperament. It should also be obedient and willing to be obedient.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat made up of a hard outer layer and a soft undercoat. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are large at the base and pointed. The tail is long and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is at rest. The long neck with a slightly sloping slope is distinctive. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, and the spine is firm.
In general, the breed is sound However, it has some serious flaws. These include roached backs and long pasterns that hinder correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point where the foot leaves a mark.
As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drive. These are the behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as hunting of prey. If these high-drives aren't fulfilled through work or play this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner which helps to reduce these drives but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
GSDs are typically reserved around strangers and may be cautious at first. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They are great family pets when properly socialized from a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resistant to illnesses, but it does have certain health issues that could affect its quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure UV rays and making sure that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will help reduce the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn and highly trainable. They are an active breed that excels at many tasks, including herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and helping blind people. They are also excellent family members. This powerful and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the attention and focus of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require plenty of exercise and space and may not be a good fit for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are suspicious of strangers. This watchful and protective behavior can escalate into aggression when not properly trained, socialized and managed. These dogs are very intelligent and can be self-sufficient and easily bored, so they need an outlet to satisfy their curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds in his breeding program to develop the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we see today. He disagreed with people who believed that German Shepherds should be a display dog, and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a solid 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 undermine the ability of the breed to carry out its usual tasks.
In addition to the hereditary disorders that affect every dog breed German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They can also develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
You can avoid these ailments by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This includes giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a secure area free of traffic and other dangers. Keep him groomed by brushing his dense double coat regularly and using a de-shedding device or an undercoat rake to get rid of hairs that have fallen off. You should also take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health history, however some health issues do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Female and male can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects the ability of dogs to clot blood.
As a working breed GSDs are often involved in strenuous training and they may suffer from joint issues as a result. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of cartilage and joint which can cause discomfort, lameness and other signs. It's not always a serious issue, but 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 probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing the disorder are not breeding.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the limbs. The condition is especially prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.
They require an diet rich in protein, and a large amount of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to help maintain a healthy skin and coat. These dogs are able to benefit from a diet with joint support, such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs younger than 18 months age should be exercising moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if they are compatible with another dog, playing together, but should not run at a high speed, as this can damage growing joints.
Avoid feeding table food or animal bone as they can trigger vomiting,
Entzückendescäferhundwelpen.De digestive upsets anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs could benefit from a probiotic supplementation to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements aren't necessary, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, highly trainable dogs who thrive when they're under the guidance of a knowledgeable handler. They are therefore a good choice for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. But their dedication to their job makes them a wonderful pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
The first step to raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. As a puppy expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel confident and comfortable in a new setting and help them develop trust in humans at an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. It is crucial to stay clear of negative reinforcement methods such as shouting and physical punishment as they can lead to fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also important to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. The stimulation of the mind is equally important as physical exercise for the GSD especially in a hectic or busy household. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or thunderstorms, other dogs at the park, or the crowds at competitions and public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are devoted family pets. When they are around children as young as, they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets like cats. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. If they aren't exposed enough to training and socialization they could show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he needs to thrive.