The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD represents the perfect balance of strength and agility. Their exceptional training capabilities and protective instincts make these dogs loved family pets.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. You can find reputable breeders by requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances.
deutsche schäferhunde kaufen are powerful intelligent dogs that are highly trainable. They are extremely affectionate to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard states that 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 please.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer as well as an undercoat that is soft. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is long and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The long, slightly sloping neck is characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is solid and the ribs are well-sprung.
In general, the breed is sound however, serious issues include roached backs and lengthy pasterns that hinder correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not exaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs As working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). If these drives aren't fulfilled through work or play this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that can help reduce these urges but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
GSDs are typically cautious around strangers and could be suspicious of them at first. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When socialized properly at a young age they can be wonderful family pets. They also make great kids.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resilient against illness, however it has certain health conditions that can affect its 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 to UV rays, and ensuring 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 dog breed that excels at a variety of jobs, such as herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel at detection of explosives and drugs, and helping blind people. They are also excellent pet for families. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require a lot of exercise and room, and may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a firm temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggression. These dogs are often intelligent, independent and easily bored. They must find an avenue to satisfy their 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 have today. He was opposed to those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments with strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He did not breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with steep angles on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to perform its traditional tasks.
German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs, which have a higher blood supply. They also can develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This includes giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a safe space free of traffic and other dangers. Keep him clean by brushing his dense double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake to get rid of loose hairs. It is recommended that you take him to your veterinarian regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears like degenerative amyelopathy. Both female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders their ability to clot the blood.
GSDs are a working breed and consequently, they are subject to intense training. This means that they can develop joint problems. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that causes pain, lameness and other signs. It's not a serious condition, 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 help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, including the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing the disorder are not breed.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from panosteitis. This causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the legs. This condition is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing rapid growth.
The dogs require an diet rich in protein, with an abundance of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to maintain the health of their coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis can benefit from food that has joints-supporting ingredients, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under the age of 18 months should get moderate exercise like walking or playing with a dog if they're compatible. However it is not recommended to run at a high speed, because this can damage their growing joints.
Feeding table food or bones from animals should be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, highly trainable dogs who thrive when they're under the direction by a knowledgeable handler. They are therefore a great choice for police, military, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a great pet, provided they are well-socialized and properly trained.
Socialization is the first step towards raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a range of people and animals from an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new setting and will help them become comfortable with humans at an early age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling and physical punishment because they can trigger fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-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. Mental stimulation exercises can be equally important as physical exercise for a GSD especially in a hectic or busy household. This helps them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or thunderstorms, other dogs at the park, or the crowds at competitions and other public events.
Some of the health issues that are unique to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are devoted family dogs despite their reputation as being fearsome. When they are exposed to children as young as, they can be friendly and gentle with smaller animals like cats. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. If they are not exposed enough to socialization and training and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit signs of aggression. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they are receiving the proper training and socialization they need to flourish.