The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and speed. Its exceptional training ability and natural instincts to protect make them cherished family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. You can identify reputable breeders by requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their family and are able to be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that the GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess a steady temperament. It must also be obedient and willing to obey.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly elongated. It has a double coat consisting of a hard outer layer, and a soft undercoat. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned in a oblique manner. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is resting, the tail is large and bushy. It is a little below the hocks. The breed's long neck, with a slight slope, is a characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is firm.
In general, the breed is sound However, it has some serious flaws. These include roached backs as well as long pasterns that hinder correct 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 a mark.
As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drives. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these high-drives aren't satisfied in some way through play or work and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were bred to help dampen these drives. However, they still need lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep a balanced life.
GSDs are typically cautious around strangers and could be suspicious of them at first. This is a characteristic that makes them excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized early in life they can make great pets for the family. They are also great with kids.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resilient against illnesses, but it does have certain health issues that could impact its quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and ensuring that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will lower the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn and extremely capable of training. They are an active dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and helping blind people. They also make excellent family companions. This strong and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the focus and attention of a responsible owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require a lot of exercise and room, and may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.
look here is well-balanced and confident, with a solid and stable temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggression. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, but they can also be bored. They need to find an avenue to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to an animal that is friendly and obedient. He did not agree with those who believed that German Shepherds should be a display dog, and he made sure his dogs had stable temperaments with strong herding instincts and a solid body structure. He was against breeding dogs with temperaments that were unstable or with steep angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would impede the ability of the breed to perform its primary duties.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every dog breed German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. They may also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these conditions by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes providing him with a healthy diet and regular exercise. You should give plenty of time to play and run around in a secure area away from traffic. Keep him looking neat by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis, using a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake to get rid of hairs that have fallen off. It is also recommended to visit your vet regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop eye conditions and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Female and male dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits their ability to clot the blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they go through strenuous training. As a result, they may develop joint issues. The most frequent is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by a lack of growth and development of cartilage and joint that can result in discomfort, lameness, and other symptoms. This is not a serious condition but can be painful to the dog.
Reputable breeders X-ray their dogs and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic history of the puppy, which includes the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high likelihood of developing the disorder are not breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. The condition is especially prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are going through the midst of a massive growth spurt.
These dogs require a diet high in protein and a large mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins for a healthy coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis will benefit from a diet with joint support, like glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under the age of 18 months must be given moderate exercise like walking and playing with another dog if they're compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed, because this can damage their joints that are growing.
Feeding table food or bones from animals must be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that help break down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled handler's guidance. They are therefore a great choice for police, military search and rescue, and therapy dog roles. Their dedication to their job makes them a great family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step to raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a range of people and animals from an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games and even visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel more confident and comfortable and teach them to trust people from a young age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods such as physical and verbal punishment, as they can lead to fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also important to provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important to the GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of a household with lots of people. This helps keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to get distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms or other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and other public events.
Some health conditions that are unique to German Shepherds are hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases are preventable with responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle choices.
Despite their infamous reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. When deutscher schäferhund schwarz kaufen are around children as young as, they can be friendly and gentle with smaller pets like cats. However, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. They could also display signs of a hereditary tendency to aggression if not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he requires to be successful.