The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD embodies the ideal combination of strength and agility. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them beloved family dogs.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd dog Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. You can identify trustworthy breeders by requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are highly capable of being trained. They are loyal to their families and are able to be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that a GSD must be confident, courageous, and have a steady temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to please.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly elongated. It has a double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and a softer undercoat. 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 dog's long neck with a slightly sloping slope is distinctive. The chest is broad and deep. schäferhundwelpen is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder the proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful but not overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should not go ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves a footprint.
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 drives are not satisfied in a certain way, such as through work or playing, it can lead aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds have been created to help reduce these drives. However, they require lots 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. If properly socialized early in life, they make 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 has certain health conditions that can affect its quality of living. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and ensuring that it is regularly vaccinated will lower the chance of developing these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, and highly trainable. They are a working 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 aiding blind people. They are also great pet for families. This powerful and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the focus and attention of a confident owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require a lot of exercise and room, and may not be a good fit in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, alert, and suspicious of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior could turn into aggression. They are extremely intelligent and can be independent and easily bored, which is why they require 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 friendly and respectful. He disagreed with people who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece, and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a solid body structure. He also refused to breed certain dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups, as well as front and rear pasterns as he believed these traits would undermine the breed's ability to perform its work.
In addition to the hereditary disorders that can affect any dog breed German Shepherds are also prone to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. They also can develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these conditions by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a secure area free of traffic and other hazards. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop eye conditions and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. They may also suffer from an illness that is genetic, known as von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary, which impacts their ability to clot blood and is present in both male and female dogs.
As a working breed, GSDs often engage in vigorous training and they can suffer from joint issues as a result. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that causes pain, lameness and other signs. This is not always a serious problem but it can be painful for dogs.
Reputable breeders X-ray their dogs and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, which includes the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia aren't bred.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. The condition is especially prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing an enormous growth spurt.
These dogs need food that is rich in protein, with a generous blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to help maintain the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their diet like glucosamine and 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 a high speed, as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.
Foods that are table-based or contain animal bones must be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages can benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid in the breakdown of proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable and biddable dogs who thrive under a skilled trainer's guidance. This makes them an excellent choice for military and police work in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a great pet, provided they are well-socialized and properly trained.
The first step to raising a well-adjusted GSD is socialization. From an early age expose your puppy different people and animals. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and teach them to trust people from an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance and positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as shouting and physical punishment as they can trigger fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also crucial to provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises are as essential for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of an area with a lot of activity. This will help keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to get distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms and other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and public events.
Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their infamous reputation German Shepherds are devoted family pets. When they are exposed to children from a young age, they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets such as cats. They are extremely effective guardians due their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when around young children. If they're not sufficiently exposed to socialization and training, they may show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy preschool or obedience classes to ensure that they receive the training and socialization they need to flourish.