The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD embodies the ideal balance of strength and agility. Its training capabilities are high and its natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd dog select breeders who value the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree documents and prior health clearances can help determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard says that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self-assured and brave. It must also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinct double coat made up of a hard outer layer and an undercoat that is soft. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned in a oblique manner. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is slender and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is lying down. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung 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 interfere with the 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 a mark.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drives. These are the behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and the pursuit of prey. When these high drives aren't fulfilled in some way through work or play and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were created to help reduce these impulses. However, they still require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep their lives in balance.
GSDs tend to be cautious and suspicious of strangers at first. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are great family pets when socialized properly from a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resilient against illness, but it does have certain health conditions that may affect its quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. Preventing these conditions by limiting your dog's exposure to UV rays and ensuring that it is vaccinated regularly can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of training. They are a working breed and excel at a variety of jobs, including herding, police work such as search and rescue detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind people. They are also excellent family members. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear goal as well as the attention and focus of a responsible owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive way. They require a lot of space and exercise, and might not be suitable for apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert, and are sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior can turn into aggressive. These dogs are very intelligent and can be insecure and bored, and they require an outlet that can satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is receptive and obedient. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and ensured that his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding instincts, and a sound body structure. He did not breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with steep angles on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to carry out its primary duties.
German Shepherds are also prone 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 conditions by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This includes giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to run and play outside in a secure area free of traffic and other dangers. Keep him clean by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis by using a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake to remove loose hairs. You should also make sure that you visit the vet on a regular basis for his routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections and can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. Both female and male dogs can suffer 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. In the process, they can develop joint problems. A common one is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the joint and cartilage that can result in pain, lameness, and other symptoms. It isn't always a serious issue however it can be painful for dogs.
Breeders with a good reputation X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, as well as how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing the disorder are not breed.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds can be affected by panosteitis, which causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the legs. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
The dogs require food that is rich in protein, with a generous blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy skin and coat. They can benefit from joint support in their diet like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise such as walking and playing with another dog if they're compatible. However, they should not run at full speed, as this could damage the joints they are developing.
Avoid feeding entzückendescäferhundwelpen or animal bone because they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion and digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, highly trainable dogs who thrive when they're under the guidance by a knowledgeable handler. As such, they are ideal for police and military tasks in search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. But their unwavering loyalty also makes them a great pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. As a puppy expose your puppy to various animals and people. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel more confident and comfortable and help them trust people from a young 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 lead to fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also essential to give your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercises for a GSD particularly in a hectic or busy household. This helps them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by road noises or storms, other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and other public events.
German Shepherds are prone to various health issues such as Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. They are often loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are exposed to them from an early age. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength however, they must be monitored when around young children. If they are not being exposed to enough socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy preschool or obedience classes to ensure they are receiving the proper education and socialization they require to thrive.