The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD represents the perfect balance of strength and agility. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them cherished family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred german shepherd Look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances can help you identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are incredibly strong intelligent dogs that are easily capable of training. They are incredibly loyal to their family members and are fearless guardians of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be a steady temperament, self assured and brave. It must also be respectful and willing to obey.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized and slightly elongated. It has a distinctive double coat that consists of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and slightly set. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is long and reaches to below the hocks when the dog is lying down. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is solid.
In general, the breed is sound However, it has some serious flaws. These include roached backs and lengthy pasterns that hinder correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protectiveness and hunting 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 can help reduce these urges however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are generally shy and cautious towards strangers initially. This is a characteristic that makes them excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized from a young age they can be wonderful pets for families. They also make great children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resistant to illnesses, but it has certain health issues that could affect its quality of living. These include epilepsy/seizures as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. The best way to prevent these diseases is to limit your dog's exposure to UV rays and making sure it receives regular vaccinations can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn, and highly trainable. They are a working breed and excel in a variety tasks, including herding police work including search and rescue, detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind. They also make excellent family companions. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require plenty of exercise and space and may not be a good fit in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a firm and steady temperament. They are loyal, alert, and suspicious of strangers. This protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggression when not properly trained, socialized and controlled. These dogs can be intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They need to find ways to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in a breed that is responsive and respectful. He did not agree with those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece, and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and a solid body structure. He even resisted breeding with dogs that were temperamentally unstable or had steep angles in their croups as well as front and rear pasterns, as he believed these traits could hamper the breed's ability to do its job as it is.
In deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich to the hereditary ailments that can affect any breed of dog German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They can also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these conditions by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outdoors in a safe space free of traffic and other hazards. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat, using a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. Also, make sure that you take him to the vet regularly for routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from an inherited disease called hereditary von Willebrand's disorder which affects their ability to clot blood. It is found in both female and male dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and consequently, they are subject to rigorous training. As a result, they may develop joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other symptoms. It isn't always a serious condition but it can be painful for dogs.
Reputable breeders 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, which includes the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing the disorder aren't bred.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from panosteitis. This causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the legs. This condition is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
The dogs require a diet that is high in protein, with a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain healthy coat and skin. These dogs are able to benefit from a diet that contains joints-supporting ingredients, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should exercise moderately including multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog, playing together, but they should not run at full speed as it can cause joint damage.
Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals must be avoided, as these can cause digestive upset, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs could benefit from a probiotic supplementation to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid in the breakdown of proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not necessary in the sense that a well-formulated and approved AAFCO diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and biddable dogs who thrive under a knowledgeable trainer's guidance. As such, they are ideal for military and police work in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. But their dedication to their job makes them a great family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in creating a well-adjusted GSD. From an early age expose your puppy various animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel comfortable and secure in a new setting and will help them become comfortable with humans at an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance and positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods such as physical and verbal punishment, as they can lead to fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also crucial to give your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation can be equally important as physical exercise for a GSD, especially in a chaotic or busy household. This helps them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by road noises or storms, other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and other public events.
Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds are Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs, despite their reputation for being feared. They are often friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are exposed to them from a young age. They are extremely effective guardians due their size and strength, but they should be watched when they are around children. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic predisposition toward aggression if they are not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he requires to be successful.