The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Its high trainability and natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd select breeders who value 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 loyal to their family and can be a formidable guardian. The breed standard says that the GSD must be a steady temperament, confident and brave. It must also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and a softer undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. Its ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is long and extends to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is solid.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful however, they should not be overly exaggerated and the rear leg should not go ahead of the point at which the forefoot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drive. These are the behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and the pursuit of prey. If these high-drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, such as through play or work and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that can help reduce these urges however they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are typically cautious around strangers and could be initially suspicious of them. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs. It requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when socialized properly from a young age and they're generally great with children.
The GSD is a resilient species to illness and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can impact the quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure UV rays and making sure it receives regular vaccinations can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn, and highly capable of training. They are an active dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They also make excellent pets for families. However, this powerful and confident breed needs an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require plenty of space and exercise and might not be suited to smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm and steady temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can escalate into aggression when they are not properly trained, socialized and managed. These dogs are very intelligent and can be very self-sufficient and easily bored, and they require a good outlet for their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is receptive and obedient. schäferhunde suchen ein zuhause did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He did not breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with sharp angles on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would impede the ability of the breed to fulfill its traditional tasks.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can affect any breed of dog German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They may also develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by ensuring the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes providing him with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors, in a safe area away from traffic and other hazards. Regularly brush his double coat, using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are prone to ear infections and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also be affected by a genetic disease known as von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary which affects their ability to clot blood, and is found in both male and female dogs.
As a working breed, GSDs often engage in vigorous exercise during their training, and they can suffer from joint problems as a result. The most frequent is hip dysplasia. It is characterized by a lack of growth and development of cartilage and joint which can cause lameness, pain and other signs. It is not a major condition but can be painful for the dog.
Reputable breeders X-ray their dogs and take the results into consideration when making 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 with a high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in pain and stiffness. The condition is particularly common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing an enormous growth spurt.
The dogs require a diet that is high in protein, with an abundance of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to help maintain a healthy skin and coat. They may benefit from joint-support in their food, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should exercise moderately, such as multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog, playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Foods that are table-based or contain animal bones should be avoided as these can cause vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies may benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid with breaking down proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable handler's guidance. They are therefore a good choice for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet, provided they are properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step to raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a range of people and animals at an early age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games and even visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel secure and at ease in a new setting and ensure that they learn to trust humans from a young age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is crucial to stay clear of negative reinforcement methods like yelling and physical punishment because they can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, you should use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also important to give your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of a household with lots of people. This helps to keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to become distracted by noises from the street or thunderstorms, other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and other public events.
German Shepherds are at risk of various health issues such as hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and the intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. When they are exposed to children from a young age, they can be tender and loving towards smaller pets such as cats. However, their size and strength make them formidable guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic predisposition toward aggression if they are not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization that he needs to be successful.