The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of speed and strength. Their exceptional training capabilities and protective instincts make these dogs cherished family pets.
When shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog Find breeders that practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances can help determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are trainable. They are loyal to their families and are able to be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that the GSD should be self-confident, courageous, and have a steady temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to please.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized and slightly extended. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. The ears are large at the base and pointed. When the dog is laying down, the tail is large and bushy. It is a little below the hocks. The long, slightly sloping neck is characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
In general the breed is healthy However, it has some serious flaws. These include roached backs and long pasterns that interfere with correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly exaggerated. The rear leg should never pass in the direction of where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs As working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral tendencies and desires towards things like territorial protectiveness and chasing prey). If these drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, like through work or playing and it can lead to aggression. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that can help reduce these urges but they 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 prevent overreactions. If properly socialized at a young age they can be wonderful family pets. They are also great with kids.
The GSD is a resilient species to illness and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure UV rays and ensuring that it is regularly vaccinated will lower the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and highly capable of training. They are a working breed that excel in a variety jobs, including herding, police work including search and rescue drug and bomb detection and guiding blind. They also make excellent pets for families. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energy and strength in a positive manner. They require a lot of space and exercise, and might not be suited to smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior could turn into aggression. These dogs can be intelligent and independent, but they can also be bored. They must find an avenue to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is receptive and respectful. He disagreed with people who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece, and he made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and sound body structure. He did not breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable or with sharp angles on their croups or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to fulfill its primary duties.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs, which have a higher blood supply. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outdoors, in a safe area away from traffic and other hazards. Keep him groomed by brushing his dense double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake to remove hairs that are loose. You should also bring him to the vet regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a healthy health record, but health problems do exist. They are prone to ear infections and can develop eye conditions and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. Both female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects the ability of clotting blood.
As a working breed many GSDs undergo strenuous training and they may suffer from joint issues as a result. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that causes lameness, pain, and other signs. It is not a major condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic background of the puppy, as well as the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the limbs. This condition is most common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.
They require a diet that is high in protein, and an abundance of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain healthy coat and skin. They may benefit from joint-support in their diet like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise such as walking and playing with another dog if they're compatible. However, they should not run at full speed, as this could damage the joints they are developing.
Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals must be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. navigate to this website of all ages can benefit from a probiotic supplement to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the direction of a skilled handler. They are a great choice for police, military, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their unwavering loyalty also makes them a great pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD is socialization. From an early age expose your puppy to various animals and people. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel secure and at ease in a new place and ensure that they become comfortable with humans from a young age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement like yelling or physical punishment that could cause fear-based aggression. Instead, you should use reward-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also important to give your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important to an GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of a busy household. This can help them keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to get distracted by street noises or thunderstorms and other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events and other public events.
German Shepherds are at risk of various health issues that include Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their fearsome reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are generally friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them from a young age. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be watched over children younger than them. They may also show indications of a genetic tendency to aggression if not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he gets the training and socialization he requires to flourish.