The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them loved family dogs.
If you are looking for purebred german shepherd dogs, look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances can help identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are highly capable of being trained. They are loyal to their families and are able to be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be confident and courageous. They should also have a steady temperament. deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz should 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 that consists of a hard outer layer and a soft undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and slightly set. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is long and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is at rest. The long neck with a slightly sloping slope is characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns, which interfere with the correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly so. The rear leg should never go beyond the point where the foot leaves a mark.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drive. These are behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as hunting of prey. If these drives are not satisfied in a certain way, for example through play or work and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that can help reduce these urges however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to live a balanced life.
GSDs are generally reserved around strangers and may be initially suspicious of them. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs. It requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They are great family pets when socialized properly from a young age and they're typically great with children.
The GSD has an extremely high threshold for pain and is resistant to illnesses, but it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that may affect its quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation and ensuring that it receives regular vaccinations can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent, eager to learn, and highly trainable. They are an active dog breed that excels at many tasks, including police work, herding and search and rescue. They also excel in bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They are also great pet for families. However, this strong and confident breed requires a clear sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive manner. They require plenty of exercise and space and may not be a good fit for smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a solid and steady temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. If reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior can become aggression. They are extremely intelligent and can be independent and easily bored, so they need an outlet that can satisfy their curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and short-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program to develop the obedient and responsive breed that we see today. He disagreed with people who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece and he made sure his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a solid body structure. He refused to 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 undermine the ability of the breed to fulfill its usual tasks.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that can plague any breed of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a proper diet and exercise. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a safe space free of traffic and other hazards. Keep him looking neat by brushing his dense double coat regularly and using a de-shedding device or a rake undercoat to remove hairs that have fallen off. It is also recommended to take him to your veterinarian regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. 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 an inherited disease called von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary, which impacts their ability to clot blood and is present in females and males dogs.
As a working breed, GSDs often engage in vigorous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint issues as a result. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that can cause lameness, pain and other signs. It's not always a serious issue, but it can cause pain for dogs.
A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy and its genetic background, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at 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 stiffness and pain. The condition is particularly common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are experiencing a large growth spurt.
These dogs require a diet high in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to ensure a healthy coat and skin. They may benefit from joint-support in their food including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should exercise moderately including multiple walks and, if compatible with another dog, playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at full speed, as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food, as they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages can benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable dogs that thrive under the supervision by a knowledgeable handler. This makes them an excellent choice for military and police work, search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their constant loyalty makes them an excellent pet, if properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step to creating a well-adjusted GSD. 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 more secure and confident and teach them to trust people at an early age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment that could lead to fear based aggression. Instead, use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for an GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have an area with a lot of activity. This helps to keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to become distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms, other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and public events.
Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds are hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.
Despite their infamous reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. When they are around children from a young age they can be incredibly tender and loving towards smaller pets like cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength, but they should be supervised when around young children. They could also display indications of a genetic tendency toward aggression if they are not exposed to appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure that they are receiving the proper education and socialization they require to thrive.