The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of speed and strength. Their high trainability and the ability to protect make them loved family pets.
When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog, look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. You can identify reputable breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easily trainable. They are extremely loyal to their family members and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard states that a GSD must be confident, courageous, and have a calm and steady temperament. It should also be obedient and willing to obey.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat made up of a hard outer layer, and a soft undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and obliquely set. Its ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is long and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The dog's long neck with a slightly sloping slope is a characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally healthy however, it does have some serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly exaggerated and the rear leg should not go forward of the point where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drives. These are behaviors and needs that involve territorial protection and chasing of prey. When these high drives aren't fulfilled through play or work and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were bred to help dampen these urges. However, they still need lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balance life.
GSDs are usually reserved around strangers and may be suspicious of them at first. This makes them great guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. If properly socialized at a young age they can be wonderful family pets. They are also great with kids.
The GSD has an extremely high threshold for pain and is resistant to illness, however it has certain health issues that could affect its quality of life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Preventing these conditions by limiting your dog's exposure to UV rays and ensuring that you get regular vaccinations will help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are an active breed that excels at a variety of jobs, such as police work, herding and search and rescue. They also excel at the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as guiding blind people. They also make excellent companions for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear purpose and the focus and attention of a shrewd owner to harness their energy and strength 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 confident and well-balanced, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. This protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggression when they are not properly trained, socialized and supervised. These dogs are very intelligent and can be very self-sufficient and easily bored, so they need a good outlet for their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to an animal that is receptive and respectful. Max von Stephanitz was not one of those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure that his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, and a sound body structure. He did not breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with steep angles 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.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the liver and spleen, organs with heightened blood supply. They may also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. It is important to give plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a secure area free of traffic. Regularly brush his double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you take him to your veterinarian regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health record, but health problems are present. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. They may also suffer from an illness that is genetic, known as von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary, which impacts their ability to clot blood. It can be found in both female and male dogs.
As a breed that is primarily used for work, GSDs are often involved in strenuous training and they may suffer from joint problems as a result. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that can cause pain, lameness and other symptoms. It's not always a serious issue however it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, as well as the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing the disorder aren't bred.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the joints. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing rapid growth.
They require an enriched diet rich in protein with a generous mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins for skin and coat health. They will benefit from joint support in their diet like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise such as walking and playing with a different dog if they are compatible. However, they should not run at full speed, because this can damage the joints they are developing.
Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food as they can trigger digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages may benefit from a probiotic supplementation to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid with breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled trainer's guidance. They are a great choice for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. But their dedication to their job makes them a great family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Recommended Website is the first step to raising a well-adjusted GSD. As a puppy, expose your puppy to different people and animals. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel secure and at ease in a new place and help them become comfortable with humans from an early age.
Training for 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, opt for rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also important to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. The stimulation of the mind is equally important as physical exercise for an GSD especially in a busy or chaotic household. This helps them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by street sounds or storms, other dogs at the park, or the crowds at competitions and public events.
Some health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are loving family pets. When they are exposed to children as young as they can be friendly and gentle with smaller pets such as cats. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. They may also show 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 is getting the education and socialization he requires to thrive.