The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and agility. Its high trainability and natural instincts to protect make them cherished family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. You can find trustworthy breeders by requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely loyal to their family members and can be fearless protectors of them. The breed standard states that the GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have a calm and steady temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized and slightly longer. It has a double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness, and a softer undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and positioned obliquely. Its ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is laying down on its back, the tail becomes big and swollen. It is a little below the hocks. The long neck with a slightly sloping slope is a characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, and the spine is strong.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns, which hinder the proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly so. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves a mark.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high-energy drives. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection and the pursuit of prey. If these high-drives aren't satisfied in some way through work or play and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that helps dampen these drives however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
GSDs tend to be shy and cautious towards strangers at first. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs and requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized early in life they can be wonderful family pets. They are also great with children.
The GSD has an extremely high threshold for pain and is able to fight off illnesses, but it does have certain health conditions that may affect its quality of living. These include seizures and epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure UV rays and making sure that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will lower the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are a working breed and excel in a variety of tasks, including herding police work such as search and rescue, drug and bomb detection and guiding blind people. They are also excellent family members. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear goal as well as the attention and focus of a confident owner to channel their strength and energy positively. They require plenty of exercise and space and may not be suitable in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a solid and steady temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggression. These dogs can be intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They must find ways to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is receptive and obedient. He did not agree with those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments with strong herding instincts and sound body structure. He was against breeding dogs with unstable temperaments, or with a steep angle on their croups or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would impede the ability of the breed to fulfill its primary duties.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that affect every breed of dog, German Shepherds are prone to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. They can also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions 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 dangers. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat using tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is also important to ensure that you take him to the veterinarian on a regular basis for his routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have certain health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears like degenerative amyelopathy. Both female and male dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects their ability to clot the blood.
As a working breed many GSDs undergo strenuous training and they can suffer from joint problems as a result. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by improper growth and development of the cartilage and joint, leading to discomfort, lameness and other signs. It's not always a serious problem, but it can be painful for dogs.
Breeders who are reputable are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic history of the puppy, as well as the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can lead to stiffness and pain. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing rapid growth.
The dogs require an diet rich in protein, with an abundance of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to help maintain healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from joint support in their diet, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should be exercising moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if they are compatible with other dogs, playing together, but should not be allowed to run at full speed as it can cause joint damage.
Table food or animal bones must be avoided, because they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies can benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid in the breakdown of proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable and biddable dogs who thrive under a skilled handler's guidance. They are therefore a great choice for police, military search and rescue, and therapy dog roles. However, their dedication to their job makes them a great pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
The first step to raising an equidistant GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and other animals from a young age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games and going to local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new setting and ensure that they learn to trust humans at an early age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as 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.
Daily enrichment is crucial for your German Shepherd. The exercises for mental stimulation are as essential for a GSD as physical exercise, especially if you live in a household with lots of people. This can help them to keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms and other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and public events.
Some health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments are preventable with responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation as being fearsome. They are generally loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are exposed to them from a young age. However, king shepherd kaufen and strength make them formidable guardians, and they should always be supervised around younger children. They could also display indications of a genetic tendency toward aggression if they are not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he needs to be successful.