The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Their exceptional training capabilities and the ability to protect make them beloved pets for families.
If you are looking for purebred german shepherd dogs Look for breeders who have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree papers as well as prior health clearances can help you find reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful intelligent dogs that are capable of training. They are loyal to their families and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that a 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 medium in size, slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat that consists of a hard outer layer, and a soft undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is lying down on its back, the tail becomes large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally healthy however, it does have some serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point where the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires towards things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). If these drives are not satisfied in some way, such as playing or at work and it can lead to aggression. Show-type German Shepherds have been developed to reduce these urges. However, they still require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep a balanced life.
GSDs are generally cautious and suspicious of strangers initially. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized from a young age they can make great family pets. They also make great children.
The GSD is resistant to illness and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can impact the quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays and making sure that it receives routine vaccinations should lower the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also capable of being trained. They are an active breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and helping blind people. They are also excellent family pets. This strong and confident breed requires a clear purpose as well as the attention and focus of a shrewd owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive manner. They require lots of space and exercise, and might not be suitable for apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm and stable temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggression. They are extremely smart and can be insecure and bored, which is why they require an outlet that can satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in a breed that is responsive and well-behaved. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds as a showpiece and made sure that his dogs were calm, had strong herding instincts, and an ideal body structure. He also refused to breed certain dogs that were temperamentally unstable or had sharp angles in their croups as well as front and rear pasterns, because he believed that these characteristics could hinder the ability of the breed to do its job as it is.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every breed of dog German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. You should give plenty of time to play and run around in a safe place free of traffic. Keep him looking neat by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis by using a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake to remove hairs that are loose. einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen should also visit your vet regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections and may develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from a genetic disease known as von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary that affects their capacity to clot blood, and can be found in both male and female dogs.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo rigorous training. As a result, they can develop joint problems. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the joint and cartilage which can cause pain, lameness and other signs. This is not always a serious problem but it can cause pain for dogs.
Breeders with a good reputation X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breeding.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds also be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the legs. The condition is particularly prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are going through a large growth spurt.
The dogs require an diet rich in protein, and an abundance of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to maintain healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from joint support in their food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months should be given moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with a different dog if they're compatible. However, they should not run at full speed, since this could cause damage to their joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food as they can trigger vomiting, digestive upsets anorexia and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion and digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and biddable dogs who thrive under a knowledgeable handler's guidance. This makes them ideal for police and military tasks such as search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. Their dedication to their job makes them a great pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step towards raising a well adjusted GSD. From an early age, expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel more comfortable and secure and teach them to trust people from a young age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment that could cause fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to a GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have an area with a lot of activity. This helps them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by road sounds or storms as well as other dogs at the park, or the crowds at competitions or public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions such as Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs, despite their reputation as being fearsome. They are often affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them at a young age. However, their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be watched over children younger than them. If they aren't being exposed to enough socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure that they are receiving the proper training and socialization they need to thrive.