The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of agility and strength. Its exceptional training ability and natural instincts to protect make them loved family dogs.
When you are shopping for purebred german shepherd dogs, look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. You can find reliable breeders by asking for pedigree papers and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are incredibly strong intelligent dogs that are trainable. They are loyal to their family and are able to be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that the GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess a calm and steady temperament. It must also be respectful and willing to be obedient.
The breed is medium in size slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. The ears are large at the base and pointed. The tail is long and extends to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The long neck, with a slight slope, is distinctive. The chest is wide and deep. blaue schäferhunde are well-sprung, and the spine is solid.
In general the breed is sound, but serious faults include roached backs as well as long pasterns that interfere with correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful however, they should not be overly exaggerated. The rear leg should not go forward of the point where the forefoot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drive. These are behaviors and needs that involve territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these high drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, for example playing or at work, it can lead aggression. Show-type German Shepherds are created to help reduce these drives. However, they require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balance life.
GSDs are generally shy around strangers and can be suspicious of them at first. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized early in life they can be wonderful pets for the family. They are also great with kids.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is able to fight off illness, however it has certain health conditions that can affect its quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. Preventing these conditions by limiting your dog's exposure UV rays and making sure it is vaccinated regularly can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also capable of training. They are an active breed that excels at 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 pets for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs a clear sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energy and strength in a positive way. They require plenty of exercise and space and may not be a good fit in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior could turn into aggression. These dogs are very smart and can be self-sufficient and easily bored, so they need an outlet to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to an animal that is friendly and well-behaved. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds as a showpiece and made sure his dogs were calm, had strong herding instincts, and a sound body structure. He refused to breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with a steep angle on their croups or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would impede the ability of the breed to fulfill its primary duties.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every breed of dog, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. They can also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This means giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. It is important to give plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a safe place free of traffic. Regularly brush his double coat, using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Both male and female dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of dogs to clot blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they go through strenuous training. As a result, they can develop joint problems. The most frequent is hip dysplasia. It is characterized by improper growth and development of the joint and cartilage, leading to pain, lameness and other signs. This is not always a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
Reputable breeders X-ray their dogs and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, including how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia are not breed.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. This 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 large amount 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 food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should have moderate exercise including multiple walks and, if they are compatible with other dogs, playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food because they can cause vomiting, digestive upsets anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs can benefit from a probiotic supplement to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements are not required in the sense that a well-formulated and approved AAFCO diet should supply the appropriate amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled guide's supervision. They are therefore a great option for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. But their unwavering loyalty also makes them a wonderful family pet when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. As a puppy, expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel confident and comfortable in a new setting and ensure that they learn to trust humans at an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance and positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment that could lead to fear based aggression. Instead, use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises can be as important as physical exercise for an GSD especially in a busy or chaotic household. This can help them keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by street noises, thunderstorms, other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events or public events.
Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds are hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation for being feared. When they are exposed to children at a young age, they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets such as cats. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be supervised around younger children. They may also show indications of a genetic tendency toward aggression if they are not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he requires to flourish.