The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of agility and strength. Its high trainability and natural protective instincts make them cherished family dogs.
If you are looking for purebred german shepherd dogs, look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. You can determine trustworthy breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are easily capable of being trained. They are loyal to their family and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that a GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess a calm and steady temperament. It should also be obedient and willing to be obedient.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized and slightly longer. It has a double coat that consists of an outer layer of hardness, and a softer undercoat. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned obliquely. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is slender and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The neck of the breed is long and slightly sloping. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is firm.
In general the breed is sound however, serious issues include roached backs as well as long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly exaggerated. The rear leg should never go forward of the point where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). If these drives aren't satisfied in some way through work or play, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that helps dampen these drives however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are generally shy around strangers and can be suspicious of them at first. This trait of protection makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. When socialized properly at a young age they can be wonderful pets for the family. They are also great with children.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resilient against illnesses, but it does have certain health conditions that may affect its quality of life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and making sure that it receives routine vaccinations should reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of training. They are a working dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding and search and rescue. They also excel in detection of explosives and drugs, and aiding blind people. They are also great pets for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the attention and focus of a shrewd owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require a lot of space and exercise and might not be suitable for apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and are sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggressive. These dogs are very intelligent and can be insecure and bored, and they require an outlet to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is receptive and well-behaved. He disagreed with people who believed that German Shepherds should be a display dog, and he made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments with strong herding instincts and sound body structure. He even resisted breeding certain dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups and front and rear pasterns as he believed these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its traditional work.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent 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, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a proper diet and exercise. It is important to give him ample time to play and run around in a safe area away from traffic. Regularly brush your double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is also important to ensure that you visit the vet on a regular basis for his routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a healthy health record, but some health problems are present. They are prone to ear infections and can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. Both male and female can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of dogs to clot blood.
As a working breed GSDs often engage in vigorous exercise during their training and they can suffer from joint issues as a result. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that causes lameness, pain and other signs. It is not a major condition but can be painful for the dog.
Breeders with a good reputation are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high chance of developing the disorder aren't breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in pain and stiffness. The condition is particularly common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through a large growth spurt.
These dogs need a diet that is high in protein, and a large amount of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to maintain the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from food with joint support, like glucosamine or 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 be allowed to run at full speed, as this can damage growing joints.
Avoid feeding table food or animal bone as they can trigger digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that help break down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the guidance by a knowledgeable handler. As visit the next site , they are a great choice for police and military tasks in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their dedication to their job makes them a great pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well adjusted GSD. From an early age expose your puppy different animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and will teach them to trust people at an early age.
It takes patience, consistency, as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. schäferhund kaufen welpe is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as physical and verbal punishment, as they can lead to fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. The exercises for mental stimulation are as essential for an GSD as physical exercise, especially in the case of an area with a lot of activity. This will help 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 and public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle choices.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are loving family pets. They are usually friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if exposed to them from an early age. However, their size and strength make them formidable guardians, and they should always be supervised around younger children. If they're not exposed enough to socialization and training and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit 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 receive the training and socialization they require to thrive.