The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Its exceptional training ability and natural instincts to protect make them loved family dogs.
When shopping for purebred german shepherd dogs Look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances will help you find reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are capable of training. They are loyal to their family and are able to be fearless guardians. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess a steady temperament. schäferhund welpe kaufen must also be respectful and willing to be obedient.
The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinctive double coat that consists of a hard outer layer and an undercoat that is soft. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. When the dog is laying down in a shady position, the tail is big and swollen. It is a little below the hocks. The breed's long neck, with a slight slope, is characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is firm.
In general the breed is sound, but serious faults include roached backs and long pasterns that hinder correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful however, they should not be overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should never pass ahead of the point at which the forefoot makes an impression.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protection and chasing prey). If these high-drives aren't fulfilled through work or play this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred to help dampen these impulses. However, they require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep a balanced life.
GSDs are usually cautious around strangers and could be suspicious of them at first. This trait of protection makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when socialized properly from a young age and are generally good with children.
The GSD is resilient to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can impact the quality of its life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation, and ensuring it is vaccinated regularly can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of training. They are an active dog breed that excels at many tasks, including herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel at the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as guiding blind people. They are also excellent pets for families. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of an assertive owner to harness 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 steady temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. This protective and watchful behavior can escalate into aggression when they are not properly trained, socialized and managed. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, but they can also be bored. They need to find an avenue to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is friendly and obedient. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and ensured that his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, and an ideal body structure. He even refused to breed some of his dogs who had unstable temperaments or sharp angles in their croups as well as rear and front pasterns as he believed these traits would undermine the breed's ability to perform its traditional work.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can plague any dog breed German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. They can also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him an appropriate diet and exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a secure area away from traffic and other hazards. Keep him looking neat by brushing his thick double coat on a regular basis and using a de-shedding device or an undercoat rake to get rid of hairs that have fallen off. It is also important to ensure that you take him to the veterinarian on a regular basis for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health history, however some health problems do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop eye conditions and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. They may also be affected by an illness that is genetic, known as von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary which affects their ability to clot blood, and can be found in females and males dogs.
GSDs are a working breed, and consequently, they are subject to intense training. This means that they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other symptoms. This is not a serious condition but can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, including the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can lead to pain and stiffness. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
The dogs need a diet high in protein, with a good mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain skin and coat health. They may benefit from joint-support in their diet, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should exercise moderately including multiple walks and, if compatible with another dog playing together, but they should not run at full speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Table food or bones from animals should be avoided since they can trigger vomiting, digestive upset, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid with breaking down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements are not necessary, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent high-trained dogs who thrive under the supervision of a knowledgeable handler. As such, they are ideal for military and police tasks in search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. 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 more confident and comfortable and will teach them to trust people from a young age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as physical and verbal punishment, as they can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for reward-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is crucial for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises can be as important as physical exercise for a GSD especially in a hectic or busy household. This can help them to keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to become distracted by street noises storms or other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events and public events.
German Shepherds are at risk of various health issues, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are devoted family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. They are generally affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, when they are exposed to them from a young age. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength but they should be supervised when around young children. They could also exhibit signs of a hereditary tendency towards aggression if not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he gets the training and socialization he needs to thrive.