The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of speed and strength. Its high trainability and natural instincts to protect make them cherished family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred german shepherd dog, look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree documents and prior health clearances will help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are incredibly strong intelligent dogs that are highly capable of training. They are loyal to their family and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard says that the GSD must be steady of temperament, self assured, and courageous. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly elongated. It has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness, and a softer undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set obliquely. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is slender and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The dog's long neck with a slightly sloping slope is distinctive. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, and the spine is strong.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful however, they should not be overly exaggerated and the rear leg should not go in the direction of where the forefoot leaves an imprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drives. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection as well as hunting of prey. If these high drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, for example through play or work and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are developed to reduce these impulses. However, they still require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to keep a balanced life.
GSDs are generally shy and cautious towards strangers at first. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs. It requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When socialized properly from a young age they can be wonderful family pets. They also make great kids.
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. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays, and ensuring regular vaccinations are given to the dog will reduce the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also capable of training. They are an active breed that excels at a variety of jobs, such as police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and helping blind people. They also make excellent pets for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal as well as the attention and focus of a confident owner to channel their strength and energy 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, alert and sceptical of strangers. This protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggression if not properly trained, socialized, and managed. These dogs can be intelligent, independent and easily bored. They must find ways to satisfy their curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as 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 as a showpiece and made sure that his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding impulses, and an ideal body structure. He even refused to breed certain dogs that were temperamentally unstable or had sharp angles in their croups, as well as front and rear pasterns, since he believed that these traits would undermine the breed's ability to perform its traditional work.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every breed of dog German Shepherds are also prone to cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. They may also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these conditions by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outdoors in a safe space away from traffic and other dangers. Regularly brush his double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections and may develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also be affected by a genetic disease known as hereditary von Willebrand's disease which affects their ability to clot blood, and is present in both male and female dogs.
GSDs are a working breed, and consequently, they are subject to strenuous training. This means that they may develop joint issues. The most frequent is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by a lack of growth and development of cartilage and joint which can cause lameness, pain and other signs. It's not a serious condition but can be painful to the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic history of the puppy, as well as the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high chance of developing the disorder are not breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can cause stiffness and pain. This condition is most common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through a large growth spurt.
They require food that is high in protein and a large mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins to ensure a healthy coat and skin. These dogs will benefit from a diet that contains joint support, such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise such as walking or playing with a dog if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed, since this could cause damage to their joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food as they can trigger digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies could benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to assist with breaking down proteins. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe and mineral supplements aren't necessary since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled trainer's guidance. As such, they are a great choice for military and police work, search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet, if properly socialized and trained.
The first step to raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and animals at an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new setting and ensure that they become comfortable with humans from a young age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling, or physical punishment, which can result in fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is crucial for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have a busy household. This helps to keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street or thunderstorms and other dogs in the park or crowds at competitions or public events.
Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. When they are around children from a young age, they can be friendly and gentle with smaller pets such as cats. They are extremely effective guardians due their size and strength, but they should be watched when they are around young children. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic tendency toward aggression if they are not exposed to appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he requires to be successful.