The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and agility. Their ability to train and their the ability to protect make them loved family pets.
When shopping for a purebred german shepherd Look for breeders who have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their animals. You can find reputable breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely loyal to their families and can be fearless protectors of them. The breed standard says that the GSD must be a steady temperament, self-assured and brave. It should also be obedient and willing to obey.
The breed is medium-sized with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinctive double coat that consists of a hard outer layer and an undercoat that is soft. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is slender and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, 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 not go ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves an imprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drives. These are the behaviors and desires that include territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, such as playing or at work, it can lead aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way which helps to reduce these drives however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to live a balanced life.
GSDs are usually cautious around strangers and could be cautious at first. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to prevent overreactions. When properly socialized from a young age they can be wonderful pets for the family. They also make great children.
The GSD is resistant to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays and making sure that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will help reduce the chance of developing these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and extremely trainable. They are an active dog breed that excels at many tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel in detection of explosives and drugs, and guiding blind people. They also make excellent pets for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require a lot of space and exercise, and might not be suitable for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong temperament. They are loyal, alert, and suspicious of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggression. These dogs are often intelligent, independent and easily bored. They need to find ways to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is friendly and respectful. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and ensured that his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding impulses, as well as an ideal 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 because he believed that these characteristics would undermine the breed's ability to perform its work.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can affect any breed of dog, German Shepherds are prone to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. They can also develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. It is important to give him plenty of time to run and play in a safe place free of traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also important to ensure that you visit the vet on a regular basis for his routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. Both male and female dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of clotting blood.
As a breed that is primarily used for work, many GSDs undergo strenuous exercise during their training, and can develop joint issues as a consequence. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause pain, lameness and other symptoms. It's not a serious condition but can be painful to the dog.
Breeders with a good reputation are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic background of the puppy, which includes how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing the disorder aren't breeding.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. The condition is particularly prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are experiencing a large growth spurt.
They require food that is high in protein and a large mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy coat and skin. They are able to benefit from a diet with joints-supporting ingredients, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should be exercising moderately, such as multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog, playing together, but they should not run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Avoid feeding animal bone 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. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the guidance by a knowledgeable handler. As such, they are a great choice for police and military tasks, search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. However, their unwavering loyalty also makes them a great pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step towards creating a well-adjusted GSD. As a puppy, expose your puppy to different people and animals. Take them for frequent walks and play games. deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen . This will help them feel confident and comfortable in a new setting and help them learn to trust humans from a young age.
It takes patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods like shouting and physical punishment as they can cause fear-based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-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. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for the GSD as physical exercise, particularly if you live in an area with a lot of activity. This will help to keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to get distracted by street noises or thunderstorms or other dogs in the park, or the crowds at competitions or public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle choices.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are devoted family pets. They are generally friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them from an early age. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be watched over children younger than them. They may also show signs of a hereditary tendency to aggression if not exposed to appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he needs to thrive.