The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. You can identify reliable breeders by asking for pedigree papers and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are highly capable of training. They are loyal to their families and can be a formidable guardian. The breed standard says that the GSD must be steady of temperament, confident and brave. It must also be respectful and willing to be obedient.
The breed is medium in size slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinctive double coat that consists of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set obliquely. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is lying down, the tail is large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. The breed's long, slightly sloping neck is a characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is solid and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns, which interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not overly so. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point where the foot leaves a mark.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high-energy drives. These are behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these drives are not satisfied in a certain way, for example playing or at work, it can lead aggression. Show-type German Shepherds were bred to help dampen these urges. However, they require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balance life.
GSDs are generally shy and cautious towards strangers initially. This protective trait makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized early in life they can be wonderful family pets. They are also great with kids.
The GSD is resilient to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can negatively impact the quality of its life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation and ensuring that it is vaccinated regularly can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly trainable. They are a working breed that excel at a variety of jobs, including herding, police work including search and rescue, detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind. They are also excellent family pets. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the focus and attention of a responsible owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require a lot of exercise and room, and may not be a good fit for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong temperament. They are loyal and alert, and they are sceptical of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can turn into aggression if not properly trained, socialized, and managed. They are extremely intelligent and can be very insecure and bored, and they require an outlet that can satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is friendly and obedient. He disagreed with people who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece and he made sure his dogs were stable in their temperaments and strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He even resisted breeding certain dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups, as well as rear and front pasterns since he believed that these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its work.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the spleen and liver organs that have a high blood supply. They can also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him proper diet and exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outdoors, in a safe area free of traffic and other dangers. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you visit your vet regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. Both male and female can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of clotting blood.
GSDs are a working breed and consequently, they are subject to strenuous training. As a result, they may develop joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other symptoms. This is not always a serious problem, but it can cause pain for dogs.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, which includes the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds may be affected by panosteitis, which causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the limbs. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
They require a diet high in protein with a generous mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain skin and coat health. Dogs with arthritis will benefit from a diet that contains joints-supporting ingredients, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should exercise moderately including multiple walks and, if compatible with other dogs, playing together, but they should not run at full speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Avoid feeding schäferhund kaufen from animals or table food as they can trigger vomiting, digestive upsets anorexia and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in 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 smart and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the supervision by a knowledgeable handler. They are therefore a good option for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet, if properly socialized and trained.
Socialization is the first step towards creating a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and animals from a young age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new environment and will help them develop trust in 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 shouting and physical punishment as they can cause fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also important to provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. The stimulation of the mind is equally important as physical exercise for an GSD particularly in a chaotic or busy household. This helps them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or storms, other dogs at the park, or crowds during competitions and other public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions that include Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs, despite their reputation as a feared breed. When they are exposed to children at a young age, they can be tender and loving towards smaller pets like cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength but they should be supervised when they are around children. If they're not exposed enough to socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure that they are receiving the proper education and socialization they require to flourish.