The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of strength and speed. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them cherished 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 documents and prior health clearances can help identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are incredibly affectionate to their families and can be fearless protectors of them. The breed standard states that a GSD should be self-confident, courageous, and have a calm and steady temperament. It must also be tractable and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized, slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat that consists of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is slender and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is lying down. The breed's long neck with a slightly sloping slope is a characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is firm.
The breed is generally healthy however it is prone to serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong, but not excessively exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should not go forward of the point where the forefoot leaves an imprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drive. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection and hunting of prey. When these high drives aren't fulfilled through play or work this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that helps dampen these drives but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs are typically cautious around strangers and could be cautious at first. This is a characteristic that makes them great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are wonderful pets for families when socialized properly from a young age, and are generally good with children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is able to fight off illness, however it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that may affect its quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays and making sure that it is regularly vaccinated will reduce the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of being trained. They are a working breed and excel in a variety of jobs, including herding, police work, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. They also make excellent pet for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the focus and attention of a shrewd owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive way. They require a lot of exercise and space and might not be suited in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a solid and steady temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are sceptical of strangers. This watchful and protective behaviour can become aggressive when they are not properly trained, socialized, and supervised. These dogs are very smart and can be independent and easily bored, so they need an outlet that can satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is receptive and obedient. He disagreed with people who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a solid body structure. He was against breeding dogs with unstable temperaments, or with a steep angle on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to fulfill its usual tasks.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that can plague any dog breed, German Shepherds are prone to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. They also can develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with proper diet and exercise. You should give him plenty of time to play and run around in a secure area away from traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. Also, make sure that you visit the vet regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but some health problems are present. They are prone to ear infections and can develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Both female and male dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of dogs to clot blood.
As a working breed, GSDs are often involved in strenuous training and they may suffer from joint problems as a result. One of the most common is hip dysplasia. It is characterized by a lack of growth and development of cartilage and joint that can result in lameness, pain, and other symptoms. This is not a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, which includes the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high likelihood of developing the disorder aren't breeding.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can cause stiffness and pain. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
These dogs require a diet high in protein with a generous mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy coat and skin. They can benefit from food that has joint support, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should have moderate exercise like walking on a regular basis and, if they are compatible with other dogs, playing together, but should not run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Feeding schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen or animal bones should be avoided because they can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion and digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled guide's supervision. They are therefore a good option for military, police search and rescue, and therapy dog roles. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a wonderful pet, if well-socialized and properly trained.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a range of people and animals from a young age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and going to local dog parks. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure and help them trust people from an early age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as yelling and physical punishment because they can cause fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also essential to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises can be equally important as physical exercise for an GSD particularly in a chaotic or busy household. This can help them to keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to get distracted by street noises or thunderstorms, other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and other public events.
Certain health conditions that are specific to German Shepherds are Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
German Shepherds are devoted family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. They are often loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are exposed to them from the age of. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when they are around young children. If they aren't sufficiently exposed 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 they are receiving the proper training and socialization they need to flourish.