The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD embodies the ideal balance of strength and agility. Their ability to train and their the ability to protect make them cherished family pets.
When shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog Look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances can help determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are highly trainable. They are loyal to their families and can be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self assured, and courageous. 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 made up of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is slender and extends to below the hocks when the dog is lying down. The dog's long neck, with a slight slope, is distinctive. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound however it is prone to serious issues, like 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 never go ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high-energy 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 have been developed to reduce these drives. However, they require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep a balanced life.
GSDs are generally shy and cautious towards strangers initially. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are wonderful pets for families when properly socialized from a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD is resilient to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays and making sure that it receives routine vaccinations should help reduce the chance of developing these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of being trained. They are an active dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and aiding blind people. They also make excellent family pets. However, this powerful and confident breed needs an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to use their strength and energy positively. deutscher schäferhund pflege require a lot of exercise and room, and may not be a good fit in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm and steady temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. This protective and watchful behavior can escalate into aggression if not properly trained, socialized and managed. These dogs are very smart and can be self-sufficient and easily bored, and they require an outlet that can satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to an animal that is receptive and respectful. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and an ideal body structure. He refused to breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with a steep angle on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to fulfill its traditional tasks.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the liver and spleen, organs with heightened blood supply. They also can develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can avoid these ailments by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to run and play outdoors in a safe space away from traffic and other hazards. Keep him looking neat by brushing his thick double coat on a regular basis, using a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake to get rid of loose hairs. You should also visit your vet regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a healthy health history, however some health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits their ability to clot the blood.
GSDs are a working breed and consequently, they are subject to rigorous training. As a result, they may develop joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that can cause lameness, pain and other signs. It's not a serious condition but can be painful to the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic background, including the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. The condition is especially common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.
These dogs require a diet high in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins for a healthy coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their food including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should be exercising moderately including multiple walks and, if they are 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 must be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, 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. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled handler's guidance. They are a great choice for police, military search and rescue and therapy dog roles. But their dedication to their job makes them a great pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and animals from a young age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel more comfortable and secure and help them trust people from an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance, as well as positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. It is crucial to stay clear of negative reinforcement methods like physical and verbal punishment, as they can lead to fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd 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 an GSD, especially in a hectic or busy household. This helps keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to be distracted by street noises storms or other dogs in the park or crowds at competitions and other public events.
Certain health conditions that are unique to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their infamous reputation German Shepherds are devoted family pets. When they are around children as young as they can be incredibly tender and loving towards smaller pets such as cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength however, they must be monitored when around young children. If they aren't sufficiently exposed to training and socialization, they may show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he requires to flourish.