The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of strength and speed. Their ability to train and their protective instincts make these dogs loved family pets.
If you are looking for a purebred german shepherd Look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances can help identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong intelligent dogs that are trainable. They are loyal to their family and are able to be fearless guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self-assured and brave. It must also be respectful and willing to be obedient.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly longer. It has a distinct double coat that consists of a hard outer layer and a soft undercoat. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is resting on its back, the tail becomes bushy. It is a little below the hocks. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is firm.
In general, the breed is sound, but serious faults include roached backs and long pasterns that hinder correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point where the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). If these high-drives aren't satisfied in some way through work or play and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds have been created to help reduce these urges. However, they still need lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to keep their lives in balance.
GSDs are typically cautious around strangers and could be cautious at first. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When socialized properly early in life they can make great pets for families. They also make great kids.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resilient against illness, however it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that can affect its quality of life. 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 it is regularly vaccinated will reduce the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart, eager to learn, and extremely capable of being trained. They are a working breed and excel in a variety jobs, including herding, police work including search and rescue as well as bomb and drug detection and guiding blind. They are also excellent pet for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering focus and the attention of an assertive owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive manner. They need a lot of exercise and space, and might not be suited in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggression. They are extremely smart and can be independent and easily bored, which is why they require an outlet to satisfy their natural curiosity.
The founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and short-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program to create the responsive and obedient breed that we know today. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds as a showpiece and made sure his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, and an ideal body structure. He even resisted breeding certain dogs that had unstable temperaments or sharp angles in their croups as well as front and rear pasterns since he believed that these traits would undermine the breed's ability to perform its traditional work.
German Shepherds can also be prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the spleen and liver organs that have a high blood supply. They may also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outside in a secure area free of traffic and other dangers. Regularly brush his double coat, using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health record, but health issues are present. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also be affected by a genetic disease known as hereditary von Willebrand's disorder which affects their ability to clot blood and can be found in both female and male dogs.
As a working breed, many GSDs undergo strenuous exercise during their training and they may suffer from joint issues as a consequence. The most frequent is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the cartilage and joint which can cause discomfort, lameness and other signs. It isn't always a serious condition, but it 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 can help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, including the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high chance of developing the disorder aren't breed.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can cause stiffness and pain. The condition is particularly frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are going through the midst of a massive growth spurt.
These dogs need a diet that is high in protein, and a generous blend of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to maintain the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from food that has joint support, such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs under 18 months of age should be exercising moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if compatible with other dogs, playing together, but should not be allowed to run at a high speed, as this can damage growing joints.
Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food, as they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements to help break down proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required in the sense that a well-formulated and approved AAFCO diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, highly trainable dogs who thrive under the guidance of a skilled handler. They are a great choice for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. But their unwavering loyalty also makes them a wonderful family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in creating a well-adjusted GSD. As a puppy, expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and teach them to trust people at an early age.
It requires patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. Avoid deutscher schäferhund kaufen as yelling or physical punishment, which can cause fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly if you live in 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 noises from the street or thunderstorms and other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events and public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions that include hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are loving family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. They are generally friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, when exposed to them at the age of. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength, but they should be watched when they are around children. They could also exhibit signs of a hereditary tendency towards 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 be successful.