The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and speed. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog Find breeders that adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their animals. You can identify reliable breeders by asking for documents on pedigrees and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are incredibly loyal to their family members and are fearless guardians of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be steady of temperament, confident and courageous. It must also be respectful and willing to obey.
The breed is medium in size slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer as well as an undercoat that is soft. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. Its ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is resting, the tail is big and swollen. It is a little below the hocks. The neck of the breed 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 and lengthy pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point where the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protectiveness and hunting prey). If these high-drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, for example through work or playing and it can lead to aggression. Show-type German Shepherds have been developed to reduce these impulses. However, they still need lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep their lives in balance.
GSDs are generally shy and cautious towards strangers initially. This is a characteristic that makes them great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when socialized properly from a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resistant to illness, but it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that may affect its quality of living. These include seizures, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure UV rays and ensuring that you get regular vaccinations will help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are an active breed that excels at a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel in the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as aiding blind people. They are also great pet for families. However, this powerful and confident breed needs an unwavering focus and the attention of an assertive owner to use their strength and energy positively. They require plenty of space and exercise. They might not be suited to apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggressive. These dogs are often intelligent, independent and easily bored. They must find an avenue to satisfy their curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and short-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program to create the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we have today. He disagreed with people who wanted German Shepherds to be a display dog, and he made sure his dogs had stable temperaments with strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He even resisted breeding with dogs that were temperamentally unstable or had sharp angles in their croups as well as rear and front pasterns since he believed that these traits could hamper the breed's ability to perform its traditional work.
deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen can also be susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs, which have a higher blood supply. They also can develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a proper diet and exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors, in a safe area free of traffic and other hazards. Keep him clean by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis by using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove loose hairs. It is also recommended to visit your vet regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health history, however some health problems are present. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. They also may suffer from an inherited disease called von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary which affects their ability to clot blood, and is present in both male and female dogs.
As a working breed, many GSDs undergo strenuous training and can develop joint problems as a result. A common one is hip dysplasia, characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the cartilage and joint which can cause pain, lameness, and other symptoms. This is not always a serious issue but it can be painful for the dog.
Reputable breeders X-ray their dogs and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic background, including the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia are not breed.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
These dogs require a diet high in protein with a generous mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins to ensure skin and coat health. They can benefit from joint support in their diet like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should get moderate exercise such as walking or playing with a dog, if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed as this could damage their joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food because they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion and digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart high-trained dogs who thrive when they're under the guidance by a knowledgeable handler. They are therefore a great choice for military, police search and rescue, and therapy dog roles. Their constant loyalty makes them an excellent pet, if they are properly socialized and trained.
The first step to raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to 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 more comfortable and secure and teach them to trust people from a young age.
It requires patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement like yelling or physical punishment, which can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, you should use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for the GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have a busy household. This can help them keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms or other dogs in the park, or the crowds at competitions and other public events.
Certain health conditions that are unique to German Shepherds are Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
Despite their infamous reputation German Shepherds are devoted family pets. When they are around children as young as they can be incredibly tender and loving towards smaller animals like cats. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when they are around children. If they're 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 are receiving the proper training and socialization they require to flourish.