The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them cherished family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances will help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are trainable. They are loyal to their families and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self assured, and courageous. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly longer. It has a double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. The ears are large at the base and pointed. Suggested Studying is long and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is lying down. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally healthy, but it has serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns, which hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong however, they should not be overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should never pass forward of the point where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral tendencies and desires towards things like territorial protectiveness and chasing prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled through play or work and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way which helps to reduce these drives, but they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs are usually shy around strangers and can be suspicious of them at first. This trait of protection makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. When socialized properly at a young age they can be wonderful pets for families. They're also great with kids.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is able to fight off illness, however it does have certain health issues that could affect its quality of living. These include seizures, epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays and making sure that it receives routine vaccinations should lower the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart, eager to learn, and highly capable of being trained. They are a working breed that excel at a variety of jobs, including herding, police work such as search and rescue bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They are also excellent companions for families. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear purpose as well as the attention and focus of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require lots of space and exercise and may not be suitable for apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggressive. These dogs are very intelligent and can be independent and easily bored, which is why they require a good outlet for their natural curiosity.
The 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 have today. Max von Stephanitz was not one of those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding impulses, as well as a sound body structure. He refused to breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with steep angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to carry out its traditional tasks.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can plague any dog breed German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. They can also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a an appropriate diet and exercise. You should give him plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a safe place away from traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have certain health issues. They are prone to ear infections and may develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. They may also suffer from an inherited disease called hereditary von Willebrand's disease which affects their ability to clot blood and is present in both female and male dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they go through rigorous training. This means that they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that causes lameness, pain and other signs. It's not always a serious condition, but it can cause pain for dogs.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy and its genetic background, including the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia do not breed.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds may be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the limbs. The condition is particularly frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing an enormous growth spurt.
These dogs require a diet high in protein, with a good mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their food, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should be exercising moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if compatible with another dog playing together, but should not be allowed to run at a high speed, as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.
Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals should be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements aren't necessary since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the supervision of a skilled handler. They are a great choice for police and military work such as search and rescue as well as therapy dog roles and many other specializations. Their constant loyalty makes them an excellent pet, provided they are properly socialized and trained.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well adjusted GSD. Expose your puppy to a range of people and animals from an early age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new environment and help them become comfortable with humans from a young age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods like physical and verbal punishment, as they can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is crucial for your German Shepherd. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to an GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have a busy household. This will help to keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by street noises, thunderstorms or other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and public events.
German Shepherds are prone to various health issues, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments are preventable with responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are devoted family dogs, despite their reputation for being feared. When they are exposed to children from a young age, they can be friendly and gentle with smaller pets like cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength but they should be watched when they are around children. If they're not exposed enough to training and socialization they could show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they receive the training and socialization they need to thrive.