The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of speed and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them cherished family dogs.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd dog, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. You can identify reputable breeders by requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are incredibly strong, intelligent dogs that are easily capable of training. They are incredibly loyal to their families and are a fierce protector of them. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess a calm and steady temperament. It must also be able to be handled and willing to please.
The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and positioned obliquely. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is resting on its back, the tail becomes big and swollen. It is a little below the hocks. The long neck with a slightly sloping slope is a characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is solid.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder the proper movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never go beyond the point at which the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drive. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection and the pursuit of prey. If these drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, such as through work or playing, it can lead aggression. Show-type German Shepherds have been created to help reduce these impulses. However, they still require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balance life.
GSDs are typically cautious around strangers and could be suspicious of them at first. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs. It requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when properly socialized from a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD is resistant to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. The best way to prevent these diseases is to limit your dog's exposure UV rays and making sure it receives regular vaccinations can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, eager to learn, and highly capable of training. They are a working breed and excel in a variety jobs, including herding, police work including search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection and guiding blind people. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung are also excellent pet for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require a lot of space and exercise. They might not be suitable for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can become aggression. Dogs with these traits can be smart 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, as well as longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds, in his breeding program to develop the obedient and responsive breed that we know today. Max von Stephanitz was not one of those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding impulses, and solid body structure. He was against breeding dogs with temperaments that were unstable or with a steep angle on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to perform its primary duties.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that affect every dog breed German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers, such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They also can develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can avoid these ailments by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is important to give him ample time to play and run around in a safe place away from traffic. Regularly brush your double coat using a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. You should also bring him to the vet regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a healthy health history, however some health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from a genetic disease known as hereditary von Willebrand's disease which affects their ability to clot blood, and is present in both female and male dogs.
GSDs are a working breed, and consequently, they are subject to strenuous training. In the process, they may develop joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other signs. It isn't always a serious condition however it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, which includes the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high chance of developing the disorder aren't bred.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing rapid growth.
The dogs require food that is rich in protein, and a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy skin and coat. They can benefit from joint support in their diet including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months must be given moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with another dog if they're compatible. However they shouldn't run at a high speed, as this could damage their joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food as they can trigger digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid with breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the guidance of a skilled handler. As such, they are an excellent choice for police and military tasks, search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. Their constant loyalty makes them an excellent pet, provided they are well-socialized and properly trained.
The first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD is socialization. As a puppy expose your puppy to different people and animals. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel confident and comfortable in a new environment and ensure that they develop trust in humans at an early age.
It requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods such as shouting and physical punishment as they can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also crucial to provide your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. The stimulation of the mind is just as important as physical exercises for an GSD particularly in a busy or chaotic household. This helps to keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street or thunderstorms and other dogs in the park or the crowds at competitions or public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues that include hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and the intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
Despite their fearsome reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are usually loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them at a young age. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be watched over children younger than them. If they're not being exposed to enough socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and socialization that he needs to be successful.