The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect balance of speed and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.

When looking for a purebred German Shepherd Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances will help you identify reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are strong intelligent dogs that are highly capable of training. They are loyal to their family and are able to be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that the GSD must be a steady temperament, self assured and courageous. It should also be able to be handled and willing to please.

The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly extended. It has a double coat that consists of a hard outer layer, and a softer undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and obliquely set. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. 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 broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is firm.

In general the breed is sound however, serious issues include roached backs as well as long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should not go forward of the point where the forefoot leaves an imprint.

As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high-energy drives. These are the behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as chasing of prey. If these high-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 manner which helps to reduce these drives however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to live an enlightened lifestyle.

GSDs are usually reserved around strangers and may be cautious at first. This makes them great guard dogs. It requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized from a young age they can make great family pets. They are also great with kids.

The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resilient against illness, however it does have certain health conditions that may affect its quality of living. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays, and ensuring it is regularly vaccinated will lower the chance of developing these conditions.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are a working breed that excel in a variety jobs, including herding, police work, search and rescue as well as bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They are also excellent pet for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energy and strength positively. They require a lot of space and exercise, and might not be suitable for apartments or other smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert and they are sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can become aggression. They are extremely smart and can be self-sufficient and easily bored, so they need an outlet that can satisfy their natural curiosity.

Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and short-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program to develop the responsive and obedient breed that we see today. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and made sure his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding impulses, and a sound body structure. He was against breeding dogs with temperaments that were unstable or with a steep angle on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to carry out its primary duties.

In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every dog breed German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. They may also develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.

You can avoid these ailments by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It is important to give plenty of time to play and run around in a safe area free of traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat using tools for deshedding or reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund Kaufen an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to bring him to the vet regularly for deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung (chessdatabase.Science) regular health check-ups.

Health

German Shepherds have a great health record, but some health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of clotting blood.

As a working breed, many GSDs undergo strenuous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint issues as a consequence. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that can cause pain, lameness and other signs. It's not always a serious issue 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 help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing the disorder aren't breed.

Like most large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the limbs. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.

They require an enriched diet rich in protein and a large mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins to ensure a healthy coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their diet like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should have moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog playing together, but should not be allowed to run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.

Avoid feeding animal bone or table food because they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.

Training

German Shepherds are intelligent high-trained dogs who thrive under the supervision by a knowledgeable handler. They are a great choice for military, police, search and rescue and German shepherd kaufen therapy dog roles. However, their dedication to their job makes them a wonderful pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.

The first step in establishing an equidistant GSD is socialization. As a puppy expose your puppy different animals and people. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new setting and help them learn to trust humans at an early age.

It requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling or physical punishment that could 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 give your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation can be equally important as physical exercise for an GSD, especially in a busy or chaotic household. This can help them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by street sounds or storms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and other public events.

German Shepherds are prone to various health issues such as hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.

Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are loving family pets. When they are around children at a young age they can be tender and loving towards smaller pets like cats. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be watched over children younger than them. If they're not being exposed to enough socialization and training, schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen they may show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy preschool or obedience classes to ensure that they receive the training and socialization they require to flourish.