The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD embodies the ideal combination of strength and agility. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them cherished family dogs.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree documents and prior health clearances can help you find reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are incredibly strong intelligent dogs that are capable of being trained. They are loyal to their family and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have a steady temperament. It must also be tractable and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly extended. It has a distinctive double coat, which is comprised of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned in a oblique manner. Its ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is laying down on its back, the tail becomes large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. The breed's long neck with a slightly sloping slope is characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound, but it has serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns, which hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves a mark.
As working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protectiveness and chasing prey). If these drives aren't fulfilled in some way through play or work and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were developed to reduce these drives. However, they still need lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep a balanced life.
GSDs are typically shy around strangers and can be cautious at first. This makes them excellent guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. When socialized properly from a young age they can make great pets for families. They are also great with children.
reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe is resistant to illness and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can impact the quality of its life. These include seizures and epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and making sure that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will reduce the chance of developing these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and extremely capable of training. They are a working breed that excel in a variety of tasks, including herding police work, search and rescue, detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind. They also make great companions for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear goal and the attention and focus of a responsible owner to channel their strength and energy positively. They require a lot of exercise and space 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 temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior could turn into aggression. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, yet easily bored. They must find ways 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 know today. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding impulses, and an ideal body structure. He did not breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with sharp angles on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. deutscher schäferhund pflege believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to carry out its traditional tasks.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every breed of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. They also can develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a the right diet and exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outside, in a safe area free of traffic and other hazards. Regularly brush his double coat, using tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. You should also make sure that you visit the vet regularly to have regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have some health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections, and may develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears like degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of dogs to clot blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo intense training. As a result, they can develop joint problems. A common one is hip dysplasia. It is characterized by a lack of growth and development of cartilage and joint that can result in discomfort, lameness and other signs. It is not a major 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 can aid in determining the health of the puppy and its genetic history, including the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't bred.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from panosteitis. This causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. This condition is most common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are going through an enormous growth spurt.
They require food that is high in protein with a generous mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins for a healthy coat and skin. They may benefit from joint-support in their diet including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should be exercising moderately, such as multiple walks and, if compatible with another dog, playing together, but should not be allowed to run at full speed, as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.
Foods that are table-based or contain animal bones should be avoided, because they can cause digestive upset, vomiting anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit from a probiotic supplementation to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to assist in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive under the guidance of a skilled handler. They are a great choice for military and police work in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a great pet, provided they are properly trained and socialized.
The first step to raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. From an early age expose your puppy to different people and animals. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel confident and comfortable in a new setting and will help them learn to trust humans at an early age.
It takes patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement like yelling or physical punishment, which can lead to fear based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also important to give your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have a household with lots of people. This helps them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by street noises or storms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions or public events.
German Shepherds are prone to various health issues that include hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and the intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions are preventable with responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle choices.
Despite their infamous reputation German Shepherds are devoted family pets. When they are around children from a young age, they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets such as cats. Their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic predisposition towards aggression if not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he requires to thrive.