The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and agility. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them loved family dogs.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd dog Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances can help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are capable of training. They are extremely loyal to their family members and are fearless guardians of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be steady of temperament, confident and brave. It must also be obedient and willing to please.
The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinctive double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. german shepherd kaufen are dark and almond-shaped, and set obliquely. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. When the dog is lying down, the tail is large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is large and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is strong.
In general the breed is healthy However, it has some serious flaws. These include roached backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drives. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection as well as the pursuit of prey. If these high drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, like playing or at work and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were created to help reduce these impulses. However, they require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to keep their lives in balance.
GSDs are usually reserved around strangers and may be cautious at first. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized from a young age they can be wonderful family pets. They are also great with children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resistant to illnesses, but it has certain health conditions that can impact its quality of life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure UV rays, and ensuring it is regularly vaccinated will reduce the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, and extremely trainable. They are a working dog breed that excels at many jobs, such as police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and aiding blind people. They also make excellent family members. However, deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of an assertive owner to channel their energy and strength positively. They need a lot of exercise and space and might not be suited for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert, and are sceptical of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can turn into aggression when not properly trained, socialized and supervised. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They must find an avenue to satisfy their natural curiosity.
schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause , the founder of the breed, used shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is friendly and well-behaved. He did not agree with those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and sound body structure. He even resisted breeding with dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had sharp angles in their croups, as well as rear and front pasterns because he believed that these characteristics could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its work.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer that affects the liver and spleen, organs with heightened blood supply. They can also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions, you should 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 also important to ensure that you visit the vet regularly for his routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but some health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of clotting blood.
GSDs are a working breed and consequently, they are subject to strenuous training. In the process, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes pain, lameness and other signs. It's not always a serious problem however it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, including the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breeding.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the joints. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
The dogs require food that is rich in protein, as well as a generous blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to support a healthy skin and coat. They are able to benefit from a diet with joints-supporting ingredients, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months must be given moderate exercise such as walking or playing with a dog if they're compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed, because this can damage their joints that are growing.
Table food or bones from animals should be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Adult dogs and puppies can benefit from a probiotic supplement to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and biddable dogs who thrive under a skilled guide's supervision. They are an excellent choice for police and military tasks such as search and rescue as well as therapy dog roles and a myriad of other specialized roles. But their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in establishing an appropriately 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 make them feel secure and at ease in a new setting and help them develop trust in humans from an early age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as yelling and physical punishment because they can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, you should use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also essential to give your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises can be equally important as physical exercise for a GSD especially in a chaotic or busy household. This can help them keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to become distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms and other dogs in the park or the crowds at competitions and public events.
Some of the health issues that are specific to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle choices.
Despite their infamous reputation German Shepherds are devoted family pets. They are generally friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, when exposed to them at a young age. They are extremely effective guardians due their size and strength however, they must be monitored when they are around young children. If they aren't being exposed to enough training and socialization 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 he needs to flourish.