The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of strength and speed. Its training capabilities are high and its natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances can help you identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are incredibly loyal to their family members and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard states that the GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess a steady temperament. It should also be obedient and willing to obey.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly elongated. It has a double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and obliquely set. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. When the dog is lying down in a shady position, the tail is big and swollen. It extends below the hocks. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is firm.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns, which hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly exaggerated. The rear leg should never pass forward of the point where the forefoot leaves an imprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high-energy drives. These are the behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these drives aren't satisfied in some way through work or play 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 in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
GSDs are usually shy around strangers and can be initially suspicious of them. This is a characteristic that makes them great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are wonderful pets for families when properly socialized at a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD has an extremely high threshold for pain and is resistant to illness, however it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that can impact its quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure UV rays and ensuring that it receives regular vaccinations can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also capable of being trained. They are a working breed and excel in a variety of tasks, including herding police work including search and rescue, bomb and drug detection and guiding blind. They are also excellent pets for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear purpose and the attention and focus of a confident owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require plenty of space and exercise. They might not be suitable for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert, and they are sceptical of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can escalate into aggression when they are not properly trained, socialized, and supervised. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They need to find a way to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to an animal that is receptive and well-behaved. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure that his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, and solid body structure. similar web site was against breeding dogs with unstable temperaments, or with steep angles on their croups or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to carry out its primary duties.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer that affects the liver and spleen, organs with heightened blood supply. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a proper diet and exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outdoors in a secure area away from traffic and other hazards. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat, using tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to visit your vet regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also be affected by an inherited disease called von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary which affects their ability to clot blood and can be found in both female and male dogs.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they go through intense training. This means that they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other signs. It's not always a serious condition, but it can be painful for dogs.
Reputable breeders X-ray their dogs and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic history of the puppy, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia do not breed.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can lead to stiffness and pain. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
They require food that is rich in protein, and a large amount of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to support a healthy skin and coat. They can benefit from food that contains joints-supporting ingredients, such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs who are less than 18 months must be given moderate exercise such as walking and playing with a different dog if they're compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed, since this could cause damage to their growing joints.
Table food or animal bones must be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Adult dogs and puppies can benefit from a probiotic supplementation to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to assist with breaking down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements are not required since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive under the supervision of a knowledgeable handler. They are therefore a good choice for police, military, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. However, their unwavering loyalty also makes them a wonderful pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
The first step to raising an equidistant GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and other animals at an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games and visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel secure and at ease in a new setting and will help them develop trust in humans from a young age.
It requires patience, perseverance, as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling or physical punishment, which can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important to an GSD as physical exercise, especially if you live in an area with a lot of activity. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by street noises or thunderstorms, other dogs at the park, or crowds during competitions and other public events.
Certain health conditions that are specific to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments are preventable with responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle adjustments.
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, like cats, when they are exposed to them from the age of. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be watched over children younger than them. If they are not being exposed to enough training and socialization and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit signs of aggression. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they receive the training and socialization they require to flourish.