The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of strength and speed. Their high trainability and protective instincts make these dogs loved family pets.
If you are 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 prior health clearances can help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are incredibly strong intelligent dogs that are capable of training. They are incredibly loyal to their families and are fearless guardians of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self assured and brave. It must also be obedient and willing to obey.
The breed is medium in size, slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat that consists of a hard outer layer as well as a soft undercoat. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are large at the base and pointed. When the dog is laying down in a shady position, the tail is bushy. It extends below the hocks. The long neck, with a slight slope, is a characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns, which interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful but not overly exaggerated. The rear leg should never pass ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves an imprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high-energy drives. These are behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and chasing of prey. If these drives aren't satisfied in some way through play or work this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that helps dampen these drives but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs are typically shy around strangers and can be initially suspicious of them. This trait of protection makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. When properly socialized at a young age they can make great pets for families. They also make great kids.
The GSD has an extremely high threshold for pain and is resistant to illnesses, but it does have certain health issues that could affect its quality of living. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and making sure that it is regularly vaccinated will lower the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, eager to learn, and highly trainable. They are an active dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel in the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as helping blind people. They also make great companions for families. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear purpose and the attention and focus of a responsible owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require a lot of exercise and space and may not be suitable in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. This watchful and protective behavior can turn into aggression if not properly trained, socialized and supervised. These dogs are very intelligent and can be independent and easily bored, so they need a good outlet for their natural curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds in his breeding program to create the responsive and obedient breed 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 had stable tempers, strong herding instincts, and an ideal body structure. He even resisted breeding certain dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups and front and rear pasterns, as he believed these traits could hamper the breed's ability to perform its traditional work.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the spleen and liver organs that have a high blood supply. They can also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these conditions by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. You should give him plenty of time to run and play in a safe place free of traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to visit your vet regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a healthy health record, but health problems are present. They are prone to ear infections and may develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Both female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of dogs to clot blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and consequently, they are subject to intense training. In the process, they can develop joint problems. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that causes pain, lameness and other signs. It's not a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays aid in determining the health and genetic history of the puppy, as well as how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't bred.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. This condition is most prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through the midst of a massive growth spurt.
The dogs need an enriched diet rich in protein, with a good mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins for skin and coat health. They can benefit from joint support in their diet like glucosamine and 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, they should not run at a high speed, because this can damage the joints they are developing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food as they can trigger vomiting, digestive upsets, anorexia and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion and digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable dogs that thrive under the direction of a knowledgeable handler. They are ideal for police and military work in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. Their unwavering loyalty also makes them a great family pet when properly trained and Deutscher SchäFerhund Welpen Kaufen socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. Expose your puppy to a variety of people and animals from an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and help them trust people from a young age.
It takes patience, consistency, as well as positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods such as physical and verbal punishment, as they can trigger fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also important to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of an area with a lot of activity. This will help to keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to get distracted by street noises or thunderstorms or other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events or public events.
Some health conditions that are unique to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones as well as the lungs and intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their infamous reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. When they are around children as young as, they can be friendly and gentle with smaller pets like cats. They are extremely effective guardians due their size and strength but they should be supervised when they are around children. They may also show signs of a hereditary tendency toward aggression if they are not exposed to appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they receive the training and socialization they require to thrive.