The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them cherished family dogs.
When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd Find breeders that have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree documents and prior health clearances will help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and can be a formidable guardian. The breed standard says that the GSD must be steady of temperament, self-assured and courageous. It must also be respectful and willing to obey.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly extended. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer and a soft undercoat. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. When the dog is lying down, the tail is bushy. It is a little below the hocks. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound however it is prone to serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful however, they should not be overly exaggerated and the rear leg should not go ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires towards things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled through work or play and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were bred to help dampen these impulses. However, they require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep a balanced life.
GSDs tend to be cautious and suspicious of strangers initially. This is a characteristic that makes them great guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. They are great family pets when properly socialized from a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD is resilient to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. The best way to prevent these diseases is to limit your dog's exposure UV rays and making sure it receives regular vaccinations can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are a working dog breed that excels in a variety of jobs, such as police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel in bomb and drug detection and helping blind people. They also make excellent family companions. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to use their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require lots of space and exercise and might not be suitable for apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a firm temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggressive. These dogs can be intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They must find ways to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is friendly and respectful. He was opposed to those who wanted German Shepherds to be a display dog, and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments and strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He refused to breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with steep angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to carry out its primary duties.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that can plague any dog breed, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. They also can develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can avoid these ailments by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. You should allow him ample time to play and run outdoors in a safe area free of traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. You should also take him to your veterinarian regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a healthy health history, however some health issues do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop eye conditions and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. They may also suffer from a genetic disease known as hereditary von Willebrand's disorder which affects their ability to clot blood and is found in both female and male dogs.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo intense training. As a result, they may develop joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other signs. It isn't always a serious condition but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, which includes the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia do not breed.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can cause pain and stiffness. The condition is especially common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing an enormous growth spurt.
They require food that is high in protein with a generous mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to ensure skin and coat health. They can benefit from joint support in their food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should have moderate exercise including multiple walks and, if compatible with another dog playing together, but they should not run at a high speed, as this can damage growing joints.
Table food or animal bones should be avoided, since they can trigger digestive upset, vomiting anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. her comment is here of all ages may benefit from a probiotic supplementation to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that aid with breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart high-trained dogs who thrive when they're under the guidance by a knowledgeable handler. They are ideal for police and military work such as search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. However, their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful family pet when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising an equidistant GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and animals from an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games and even visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel comfortable and secure in a new setting and will help them become comfortable with humans at an early age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment, which can lead to fear based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for an GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have a household with lots of people. This can help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or storms or other dogs in the park, or crowds during competitions and public events.
Some of the health issues that are exclusive to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma, 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 adjustments.
German Shepherds are loving family dogs despite their reputation for being feared. When they are exposed to children at a young age they can be incredibly affectionate and gentle towards smaller animals like cats. However, their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be watched over children younger than them. They may also show signs of a hereditary tendency toward aggression if they are not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure that they receive the training and socialization they need to thrive.