The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD embodies the ideal combination of strength and agility. Their ability to train and their the ability to protect make them cherished family pets.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances can help find reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are capable of being trained. please click the following internet page are loyal to their family and can be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that a GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have a calm and steady temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer as well as a soft undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. Its ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is bushy and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The breed's long, slightly sloping neck is characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is solid.
The breed is generally healthy, but it has serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that hinder the proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong, but not excessively exaggerated. The rear leg should never go in the direction of where the forefoot leaves an imprint.
As working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protectiveness and chasing prey). If these high-drives aren't fulfilled through play or work, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are developed to reduce these drives. However, they still require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep a balanced life.
GSDs are usually cautious around strangers and could be initially suspicious of them. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. When properly socialized at a young age, they make wonderful family pets. They also make great children.
The GSD is resilient to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can impact the quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure UV rays and ensuring that it receives regular vaccinations can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart, eager to learn, and extremely trainable. They are a working dog breed that excels at a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel in detection of explosives and drugs, and guiding blind people. They also make excellent companions for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear purpose as well as 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 a good fit in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a firm and steady temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggressive. They are extremely intelligent and can be insecure and bored, which is why they require a good outlet for their curiosity.
deutsche schäferhunde kaufen used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds, in his breeding program to create the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we know today. He was opposed to those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece, and he made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and a sound 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 as he believed these traits could hamper the breed's ability to perform its work.
In addition to the hereditary disorders that can affect any breed of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers, such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. They also can develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a safe space free of traffic and other hazards. Regularly brush his double coat with the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to visit your vet regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a healthy health history, however some health problems do exist. They are prone to ear infections and may develop eye conditions and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. Female and male can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects the ability of dogs to clot blood.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they undergo rigorous training. As a result, they may develop joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other signs. It's not always a serious problem but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy and its genetic history, which includes the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing the disorder aren't bred.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can lead to stiffness and pain. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
These dogs need a diet that is high in protein, as well as a generous blend of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to help maintain the health of their coat and skin. They are able to benefit from a diet with joint support, like chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs younger than 18 months age should have moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog, playing together, but they should not run at a high speed, as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food, as they can cause vomiting, digestive upsets, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to help break 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 who thrive under a skilled handler's guidance. They are therefore a good choice for police, military search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step to raising a well adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and other animals from an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel more confident and comfortable and will teach them to trust people from a young age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement like yelling or physical punishment that could cause fear-based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also crucial to give your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have a busy household. This helps them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by sounds or storms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and other public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions that include hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions are preventable with responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle choices.
Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. They are generally loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are they are exposed to them from a young age. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength but they should be supervised when they are around children. If they aren't being exposed to enough training and socialization they could show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he gets the training and socialization that he needs to be successful.