The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of strength and speed. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them beloved family dogs.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances will help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and are able to be fierce guardians. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess a steady temperament. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe www.entzückendescäferhundwelpen.de must also be respectful and willing to please.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly elongated. It has a distinctive double coat, which is comprised of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is long and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is solid and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound, but it has serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns, which hinder proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful but not overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should not go ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves an imprint.
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 protectiveness and chasing prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled through play or work, it can lead to aggressive behavior. 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 balanced life.
GSDs are generally cautious and suspicious of strangers initially. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized at a young age they can make great pets for families. They're also great with kids.
The GSD is a resilient species to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can negatively impact the quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. 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, eager to learn, and extremely capable of training. They are a working breed and excel in a variety of tasks, such as herding, police work such as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection, and guiding the blind. They are also excellent pet for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear purpose and the focus and attention of a confident owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require a lot of exercise and space, and might not be suited in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a strong temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. This watchful and protective behavior can turn into aggression when they are not properly trained, socialized, and managed. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, yet easily bored. They must find an avenue to satisfy their natural curiosity.
The founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds in his breeding program to develop the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we see today. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and ensured that his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, as well as a sound body structure. He even resisted breeding with dogs that had unstable temperaments or sharp angles in their croups as well as front and rear pasterns, since he believed that these traits would undermine the breed's ability to perform its work.
German Shepherds can also be prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer that affects the spleen and liver organs, which have a higher blood supply. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. You should allow plenty of time to run and play in a safe area away from traffic. Keep him clean by scrubbing his dense double coat regularly and using a de-shedding device or a rake undercoat to remove hairs that have fallen off. It is also important to ensure that you visit the vet regularly to have regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but some health issues are present. They are susceptible to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also be affected by an inherited disease called hereditary von Willebrand's disease which affects their ability to clot blood and is found in females and males dogs.
As a working breed, many GSDs undergo strenuous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint issues as a consequence. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other signs. It's not always a serious issue but it can cause pain for dogs.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, including the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing the disorder aren't bred.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the limbs. The condition is particularly prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing an enormous growth spurt.
They require a diet that is high in protein, with a generous blend of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to help maintain a healthy skin and coat. These dogs can benefit from food that has joint support, like chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should be exercising moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if compatible with another dog, playing together, but should not run at full speed as it can cause joint damage.
Avoid feeding table food or animal bone because they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit from a probiotic supplement to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements aren't necessary since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, highly trainable dogs who thrive when they're under the supervision of a knowledgeable handler. They are ideal for police and military tasks such as search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a wonderful pet, if properly trained and socialized.
The first step to raising an equidistant GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to range of people and animals at an early age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games and going to local dog parks. This will help them feel secure and at ease in a new environment and will help them learn to trust humans from an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance as well as positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as shouting and physical punishment as they can trigger fear-based aggression. Instead, use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also essential to give your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises are as essential for an GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of a busy household. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by street noises or storms or other dogs in the park, or the crowds at competitions and other public events.
Some health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
Despite their infamous reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are usually loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, when exposed to them from the age of. However, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. If they're not exposed enough to socialization and training and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit signs of aggression. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure that they receive the training and socialization they need to flourish.