The GSD represents the perfect balance of agility and strength. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd Find breeders that practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. You can identify reliable breeders by asking for pedigree documents and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their family and are able to be fearless guardians. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have a calm and steady temperament. It should also be obedient and willing to be obedient.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly extended. It has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness, and a softer undercoat. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. The 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, slightly sloping neck is characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is solid and the ribs are well-sprung.
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 never pass ahead of the point at which the forefoot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drives. These are the behaviors and desires that include territorial protection and chasing of prey. If these high-drives aren't fulfilled in some way through work or play and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were bred to help dampen these urges. However, they still require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep their lives in balance.
GSDs are generally cautious and suspicious of strangers at first. This protective trait makes them excellent guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They are great family pets when they are socialized properly at a young age and are generally good with children.
The GSD is resilient to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can impact the quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure UV rays and making sure that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will lower the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and highly capable of training. They are a working breed that excel in a variety of jobs, including herding, police work including search and rescue as well as bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They are also excellent companions for families. However, this strong and confident breed requires a clear sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They need a lot of exercise and space, and may not be a good fit in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a firm temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. This protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggression if not properly trained, socialized and controlled. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They need to find a way to satisfy their natural curiosity.
The founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds in his breeding program to develop the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we see today. He did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a display dog, and he made sure his dogs were stable in their temperaments with strong herding instincts and a solid body structure. He even refused to breed some of his dogs who were temperamentally unstable or had sharp angles in their croups, as well as front and rear pasterns since he believed that these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its traditional work.
In addition to the hereditary disorders that affect every dog breed, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They can also develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him the right diet and exercise. You should allow him plenty of time to play and run around in a safe place away from traffic. Regularly brush your double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for regular health checks.
HealthGerman Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however they do have some health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. They also may suffer from an inherited disease called von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary which affects their ability to clot blood and is found in females and males dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, SchäFerhund Baby Kaufen they undergo strenuous training. As a result, they can develop joint problems. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that causes pain, lameness and other signs. It's not always a serious issue but it can be painful for the dog.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, including the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breed.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, which causes stiffness and pain in the limbs. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
They require food that is rich in protein, and a generous blend of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to help maintain the health of their coat and skin. They will benefit from joint support in their diet like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should be exercising moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if compatible with other dogs playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at full speed as it can cause joint damage.
Avoid feeding table food or animal bone as they can trigger vomiting, digestive upsets, anorexia and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies may benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid with breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, highly trainable dogs who thrive when they're under the guidance of a knowledgeable handler. As such, they are a great choice for police and military tasks such as search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them an excellent pet, provided they are properly socialized and trained.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and animals at an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel more comfortable and secure and will teach them to 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, which could lead to fear based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also important to provide your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to a GSD as physical exercise, particularly if you live in a household with lots of people. This helps to keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to be distracted by street noises or thunderstorms, other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and public events.
Some health conditions that are unique to German Shepherds are hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones as well as the lungs and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle adjustments.
Despite their infamous reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. When they are exposed to children from a young age they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller animals like cats. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength, but they should be supervised when they are around children. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic tendency to aggression if not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he gets the training and socialization he needs to be successful.
