The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of speed and strength. Its high trainability and natural instincts to protect make them loved family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred german shepherd Look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. You can identify reputable breeders by requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and can be a formidable guardian. mouse click the next webpage that the GSD must be a steady temperament, self assured and courageous. It must also be tractable and willing to please.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly extended. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer as well as an undercoat that is soft. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned slightly obliquely. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is lying down on its back, the tail becomes bushy. It reaches below the hocks. The long, slightly sloping neck is distinctive. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is solid.
The breed is generally healthy however it is prone to serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drive. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection as well as hunting of prey. If these high-drives aren't fulfilled through play or work, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that can help reduce these urges however they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
GSDs are generally cautious and suspicious of strangers initially. This protective trait makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When socialized properly early in life, they make wonderful pets for the family. They also make great children.
The GSD is resistant to illness and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can impact the quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays and making sure that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will help reduce the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are a working breed that excel at a variety of jobs, including herding, police work such as search and rescue detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind people. They also make excellent pet for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear goal and the focus and attention of a shrewd owner to channel their strength and energy positively. They require plenty of space and exercise. They might not be suitable for apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. This watchful and protective behavior can escalate into aggression if not properly trained, socialized, and managed. Dogs with these traits can be smart, independent and easily bored. They must find an avenue to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to a breed that is responsive and well-behaved. He disagreed with people who wanted German Shepherds to be a display dog, and he made sure his dogs were stable in their temperaments and strong herding instincts and a solid body structure. He even refused to breed with dogs that had unstable temperaments or steep angles in their croups as well as rear and front pasterns since he believed that these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its work.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can plague any breed of dog German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They can also develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments ensure your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him proper diet and exercise. It is important to give him ample time to play and run outdoors in a safe place away from traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat using a 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 history, however some health problems are present. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from a genetic disease known as von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary, which impacts their ability to clot blood, and is found in both male and female dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they undergo intense training. In the process, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause lameness, pain and other signs. It's not always a serious issue however it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, which includes the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high chance of developing the disorder aren't breed.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can lead to pain and stiffness. The condition is particularly common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.
These dogs need a diet that is high in protein, with a generous blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to help maintain healthy coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis can benefit from food that has joint support, like chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs under the age of 18 months should get moderate exercise such as walking and playing with a different dog, if they are compatible. However, they should not run at full speed as this could damage the joints they are developing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food as they can trigger digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages may benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid with breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled guide's supervision. They are a great option for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. But their unwavering loyalty also makes them a great pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step to creating a well-adjusted GSD. From an early age, expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel more confident and comfortable and help them trust people from a young age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling, or physical punishment that could 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. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, especially in the case of a busy household. This helps them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by road noises or thunderstorms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and other public events.
Some health conditions that are specific to German Shepherds are Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones as well as the lungs and intestinal tract and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
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 exposed to them from a young age. However, their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. If they are not sufficiently exposed to training and socialization, they may show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure they receive the training and socialization they need to thrive.