The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of strength and speed. Its training capabilities are high and its natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred german shepherd, look for breeders who have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances can help identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easily trainable. They are loyal to their family and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard says that the GSD must be steady of temperament, self-assured, and courageous. It should also be obedient and willing to please.
The breed is medium-sized with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness, and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and positioned slightly obliquely. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is long and reaches to below the hocks when the dog is at rest. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, and the spine is strong.
The breed is generally healthy however, it does have some serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not overly so. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drives. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection as well as hunting of prey. If these drives aren't fulfilled in some way through work or play this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way which helps to reduce these drives but they require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs tend to be reserved and suspicious towards strangers initially. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized from a young age they can make great family pets. They also make great kids.
The GSD is resistant to illness and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure UV rays, and ensuring it is regularly vaccinated will reduce the chance of developing these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also capable of being trained. 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 bomb and drug detection and guiding blind. They also make excellent family pets. However, this powerful and confident breed needs a clear sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to use their strength and energy in a positive manner. They need a lot of exercise and space and may not be a good fit in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong temperament. They are loyal and alert and are sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggression. These dogs are very smart and can be independent and easily bored, so they need a good outlet for their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is receptive and well-behaved. 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 instincts, and an ideal body structure. He did not breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable or with a steep angle on their croups or front and rear pasterns. deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich believed that these traits would impede the ability of the breed to perform its usual tasks.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can plague any dog breed, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. They also can develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him an appropriate diet and exercise. You should allow him ample time to play and run around in a safe area free of traffic. Regularly brush your double coat, using a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also be affected by an inherited disease called hereditary von Willebrand's disorder that affects their capacity to clot blood, and can be found in both female and male dogs.
As a working breed, GSDs often engage in vigorous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint issues as a result. The most frequent is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by a lack of growth and development of cartilage and joint that can result in pain, lameness and other signs. It is not a major condition but can be painful to the dog.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic background, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia do 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. The condition is especially prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are experiencing an enormous growth spurt.
The dogs require a diet that is high in protein, as well as a generous blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain healthy coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise such as walking and playing with another 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 table food or animal bone, as they can cause vomiting, digestive upsets anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit from a probiotic supplement to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements aren't necessary in the sense that a well-formulated and approved AAFCO diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled guide's supervision. They are an excellent choice for police and military tasks such as search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. However, their unwavering loyalty also makes them a great family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a range of people and animals from an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel confident and comfortable in a new setting and help them learn to trust humans from an early age.
It takes patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment, which can lead to fear based aggression. Instead, you should use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also crucial to provide your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercises for a GSD especially in a busy or chaotic household. This will help keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to be distracted by street noises storms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events or public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions, including hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs and intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions are preventable with responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle adjustments.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are loving family pets. They are often loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are they are exposed to them from an early age. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be watched over children younger than them. If they're not sufficiently exposed to training and socialization, they may show signs of aggression. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure they receive the training and socialization they require to flourish.