The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them beloved family dogs.
When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd Find breeders that adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their dogs. You can find trustworthy 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 family and are able to be fierce guardians. Breed standard states the GSD must be confident and courageous. They should also have an unwavering temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness, and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and positioned obliquely. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is slender and extends to below the hocks when the dog is lying down. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is firm.
The breed is generally sound, but it has serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not overly so. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drives. These are behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and chasing of prey. If these drives are not satisfied in a certain way, such as through play or work or playing, it can result in 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 a balanced life.
GSDs are generally shy around strangers and can be suspicious of them at first. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. When properly socialized at a young age they can be wonderful pets for the family. They're also great with kids.
The GSD is resistant to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can impact the quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation and making sure you get regular vaccinations will aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are a working breed that excel at a variety of tasks, including herding police work including search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection and guiding blind. They are also excellent pet for families. This powerful and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the attention and focus of a shrewd owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive way. They require plenty of space and exercise. They may not be suitable for apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggressive. These dogs are very intelligent and can be very self-sufficient and easily bored, so they need a good outlet for their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is friendly and obedient. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding impulses, as well as an ideal 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 could hinder the ability of the breed to do its job as it is.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the spleen and liver, organs with heightened blood supply. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. It is important to give plenty of time to play and run around in a safe place free of traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat using a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. Also, make sure that you visit the vet on a regular basis for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health record, but health problems are present. They are susceptible to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from an inherited disease called von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary which affects their ability to clot blood and is present in both male and female dogs.
As a working breed many GSDs undergo strenuous training and they may suffer from joint issues as a consequence. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other signs. It's not a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic background of the puppy, including the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing the disorder are not breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in pain and stiffness. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing rapid growth.
deutsche schäferhundwelpen need a diet that is high in protein, as well as a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their food including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months must be given moderate exercise such as walking and playing with a different dog if they're compatible. However, they should not run at full speed, since this could cause damage to the joints they are developing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food as they can trigger vomiting, digestive upsets, 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, biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable guide's supervision. They are a great choice for police, military 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 towards raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and other animals from a young age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games and going to local dog parks. This will make them feel more comfortable and secure and help them trust people from a young age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling or physical punishment that could result in 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. Exercises for mental stimulation can be as important as physical exercise for the GSD particularly in a busy or chaotic household. This helps them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or thunderstorms as well as other dogs at the park, or the crowds at competitions and public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund of these ailments can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation for being feared. They are often friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, when exposed to them at a young age. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be observed around children who are younger. If they're not sufficiently exposed to training and socialization, they may show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he gets the training and socialization he requires to thrive.