The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and speed. Their exceptional training capabilities and protective instincts make these dogs beloved pets for families.
When shopping for a purebred german shepherd Look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their animals. You can find reputable breeders by requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely loyal to their families and can be fearless protectors of them. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have a steady temperament. It must also be able to be handled and willing to please.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly longer. It has a distinctive double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and slightly set. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is slender and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
In general the breed is healthy However, it has some serious flaws. These include roached backs as well as 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 at which the foot leaves a mark.
As working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protection and chasing prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled in some way through work or play 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 in order to maintain an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs are generally cautious and suspicious of strangers at first. This protective trait makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when properly socialized from a young age, and are generally good with children.
The GSD is a resilient species to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. Preventing these conditions by limiting your dog's exposure UV rays and ensuring that it is vaccinated regularly can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, eager to learn, and extremely trainable. They are a working breed that excel in a variety of tasks, such as herding, police work including search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection and guiding blind people. They are also excellent family pets. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energy and strength positively. They require a lot of space and exercise, and might not be suited to smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a firm and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert, and they are sceptical of strangers. This protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggression when not properly trained, socialized, and supervised. These dogs are very intelligent 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, 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 to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding impulses, and a sound body structure. He even refused to breed some of his dogs who had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups and rear and front pasterns because he believed that these characteristics would undermine the breed's ability to do its job as it is.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can plague any breed of dog German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. They can also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions ensure your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him the right diet and exercise. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a secure area away from traffic and other hazards. Keep him clean by scrubbing his dense double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake to remove loose hairs. You should also take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from an inherited disease called hereditary von Willebrand's disorder which affects their ability to clot blood. It can be found in females and males dogs.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo rigorous training. In the process, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes 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 for breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, which includes the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia do not bred.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause can lead to pain and stiffness. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
The dogs require food that is rich in protein, and an abundance of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis are able to benefit from a diet that has joints-supporting ingredients, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under the age of 18 months must be given moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with another dog if they're compatible. However it is not recommended to run at a high speed, since this could cause damage to their growing joints.
Table food or animal bones should be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies can benefit from a probiotic supplementation to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid with breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive under the direction of a knowledgeable handler. They are a great choice for military and police work such as search and rescue as well as therapy dog roles and many other specialized jobs. Their dedication to their job makes them a wonderful pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in establishing a well-adjusted GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and other animals at an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games and even visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel more confident and comfortable and teach them to trust people at an early age.
It requires patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment that could 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. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important for an GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have a household with lots of people. This can help them keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to get distracted by street noises or thunderstorms and other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events or public events.
Some of the health issues that are exclusive to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation for being feared. They are often affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, when exposed to them at a young age. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength, but they should be supervised when they are around children. They may also show indications of a genetic predisposition toward aggression if they are not exposed to appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization that he needs to flourish.