The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of strength and speed. Their exceptional training capabilities and protection instincts make them loved family pets.
When shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog Look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances can help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and can be fearless guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be confident and courageous, as well as possess an unwavering temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to please.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly extended. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer and a soft undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and obliquely set. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is laying down in a shady position, the tail is large and bushy. It is a little below the hocks. The breed's long, slightly sloping neck is distinctive. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is firm.
The breed is generally healthy however, it does have some serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong, but not excessively exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should never go in the direction of where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
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 drives aren't satisfied in some way through play or work and it leads to 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 maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are generally shy and cautious towards strangers at first. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They make wonderful family pets when they are socialized properly at a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD is a resilient species to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Preventing these conditions by limiting your dog's exposure UV rays and making sure it receives regular vaccinations can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn, and extremely capable of training. They are an active breed that excels in a variety of jobs, such as police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel in the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as aiding blind people. They also make excellent family members. However, this powerful and confident breed requires an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive manner. They require plenty of space and exercise. They may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a firm and stable temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and are sceptical of strangers. This watchful and protective behavior can turn into aggression when not properly trained, socialized and controlled. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, but they can also be bored. They must find a way to satisfy their curiosity.
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 have today. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He ensured that his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, as well as solid body structure. He was against breeding dogs with temperaments that were unstable or with sharp angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to fulfill its usual tasks.
In addition to the here ditary ailments that can affect any dog breed German Shepherds are also prone to cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. They may also develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with proper diet and exercise. It is important to give plenty of time to run and play in a safe place away from traffic. Keep him looking neat by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis, using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove hairs that have fallen off. It is also recommended to bring him to the vet regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. Female and male can be affected by 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 undergo intense training. As a result, they can develop joint problems. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, characterized by improper growth and development of the cartilage and joint, leading to lameness, pain and other signs. This is not a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, which includes the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing the disorder aren't bred.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can cause pain and stiffness. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
The dogs require a diet that is high in protein, and an abundance of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should be exercising moderately including multiple walks and, if compatible with another dog, playing together, but should not run at a high speed, as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.
Table food or animal bones should be avoided, because they can cause digestive upset, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements are not required in the sense that a well-formulated and approved AAFCO diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive under the direction of a skilled handler. This makes them an excellent choice for military and police tasks, search and rescue as well as therapy dog roles and many other specialized jobs. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them an excellent pet, if they are properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step towards raising a well adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a range of people and animals at an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and going to local dog parks. This will help them feel more confident and comfortable and help them trust people at an early age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling and physical punishment because they can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also crucial to provide your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for an GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have a busy household. This can help them keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at competitions or public events.
Some of the health issues that are unique to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases are preventable with responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle choices.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs, despite their reputation as being fearsome. They are usually loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them from the age of. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength however, they must be monitored when they are around children. If they aren't sufficiently exposed to socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they receive the training and socialization they require to flourish.