The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD embodies the ideal balance of agility and strength. Their ability to train and their protection instincts make them loved family pets.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd dog Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. You can find trustworthy breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and prior 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 fearless guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, confident, and courageous. It must also be respectful and willing to please.
The breed is medium in size slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat that consists of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen are dark and almond-shaped, and positioned in a oblique manner. Its ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is lying down on its back, the tail becomes big and swollen. It is a little below the hocks. The neck of the breed is long and slightly sloping. The chest is large and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is solid.
The breed is generally sound, but it has serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that hinder the proper 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 as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protectiveness and chasing prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled in some way through work or play, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that can help reduce these urges but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs are typically reserved around strangers and may be cautious at first. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to prevent overreactions. They are wonderful pets for families when they are socialized properly at a young age and they're typically great with children.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resistant to illness, however it does have certain health conditions that can impact its quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful 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, such as herding, police work such as search and rescue bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. They also make excellent companions for families. This powerful and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the focus and attention of a shrewd owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require plenty of exercise and room, and may not be suitable in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a solid and steady temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior can become aggression. schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz with these traits can be smart and independent, yet easily bored. They need to find an avenue to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is receptive and obedient. He was opposed to those who wanted German Shepherds to be a display dog, and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and sound body structure. He even refused to breed with dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups and rear and front pasterns as he believed these traits could hamper the breed's ability to do its job as it is.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the spleen and liver organs, which have a higher blood supply. They also can develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions ensure your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him an appropriate diet and exercise. It is important to give him ample time to run and play in a secure area free of traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. Also, make sure that you take him to the veterinarian on a regular basis for his routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears like degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of dogs to clot blood.
As a working breed, many GSDs undergo strenuous training and they can suffer from joint issues as a result. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that causes pain, lameness and other signs. It's not a serious condition but can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable have their dogs X-rayed and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, as well as the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high likelihood of developing the disorder are not bred.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds can be affected by panosteitis, which causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the joints. The condition is especially frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are going through an enormous growth spurt.
They require food that is high in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins for a healthy coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis can benefit from food that contains joints-supporting ingredients, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should get moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with another dog if they're compatible. However they shouldn't run at a high speed, since this could cause damage to their joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding click the following document or table food, as they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages could benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to assist in the breakdown of proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the right 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. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a great pet, if they are well-socialized and properly trained.
Socialization is the first step to raising a well-adjusted GSD. Expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals at an early age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games and going to local dog parks. This will make them feel more comfortable and secure and will teach them to trust people from an early age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is crucial to stay clear of negative reinforcement methods such as physical and verbal punishment, as they can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, you should 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 regular dose of enrichment. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to an GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of a busy household. This can help them keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to get distracted by noises from the street storms or other dogs in the park, or the crowds at competitions and other public events.
Some of the health issues that are unique to German Shepherds are Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation as being fearsome. When they are around children from a young age they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets like cats. However, their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be observed around children who are younger. They may also show signs of a hereditary tendency towards 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 flourish.