The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of strength and speed. Their high trainability and protective instincts make these dogs loved family pets.
When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd Look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their animals. You can find reliable breeders by asking for documents on pedigrees and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely loyal to their family members and are fearless guardians of them. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have a steady temperament. It must also be obedient and willing to be obedient.
The breed is medium in size slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat made up of a hard outer layer, and a softer undercoat. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. Its ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is resting on its back, the tail becomes big and swollen. It reaches below the hocks. The dog's long neck, with a slight slope, is characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is solid.
In general, the breed is sound however, serious issues include roached backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong however, they should not be overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should not go ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves an imprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high-energy drives. These are behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and the pursuit of prey. If these high-drives aren't satisfied in some way through play or work and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that can help reduce these urges however 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 at first. This trait of protection makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized at a young age they can make great family pets. They're also great with kids.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resilient against illnesses, but it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that can affect its quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV rays and ensuring that it receives regular vaccinations can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also capable of training. They are a working breed that excel in a variety jobs, including herding, police work including search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. deutsche schäferhundwelpen are also excellent family companions. However, this powerful and confident breed needs a clear sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require a lot of exercise and space and may not be suitable in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert, and are sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior can turn into aggression. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, but they can also be bored. They need to find ways to satisfy their natural curiosity.
The founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and short-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program to develop the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we see today. He was opposed to those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece, and he made sure his dogs had stable temperaments with strong herding instincts and sound body structure. He also refused to breed with dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups as well as rear and front pasterns since he believed that these traits would undermine the breed's ability to do its job as it is.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every breed of dog, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. They can also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a the right diet and exercise. You should allow plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a secure area free of traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also important to ensure that you visit the vet regularly to have regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but some health issues do exist. deutsche schäferhundwelpen are susceptible to ear infections and can develop eye conditions and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Female and male dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of clotting blood.
As a working breed, many GSDs undergo strenuous exercise during their training, and can develop joint issues as a consequence. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other signs. It's not always a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic background of the puppy, which includes the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds may be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly, which causes stiffness and pain in the joints. The condition is particularly prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.
These dogs require food that is high in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to ensure skin and coat health. They can benefit from food that contains joints-supporting ingredients, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should be exercising moderately including multiple walks and, if compatible with other dogs, playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at full speed as it can cause joint damage.
Feeding table food or animal bones should be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, digestive upset, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid in the breakdown of proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements are not necessary, as 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 handler's guidance. They are an excellent choice for military and police work in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their unwavering loyalty also makes them a wonderful family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step towards raising a well adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and animals from an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games and visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel more secure and confident and will teach them to trust people at an early age.
It requires patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement like yelling or physical punishment that could lead to fear based aggression. Instead, you should use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also important to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises can be as important as physical exercise for the GSD especially in a busy or chaotic household. This will help them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by street sounds or storms, other dogs at the park, or the crowds at competitions or public events.
Some health conditions that are specific to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation for being feared. When they are exposed to children at a young age they can be incredibly friendly and gentle with smaller pets such as cats. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be watched over children younger than them. If they're not being exposed to enough training and socialization they could show signs of aggression. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they receive the education and socialization they require to flourish.