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 cherished family dogs.
When shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog Find breeders that adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their animals. You can determine reliable breeders by asking for pedigree documents and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely loyal to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard says that the GSD must be a steady temperament, confident and courageous. It should also be obedient and willing to obey.
The breed is medium in size slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and positioned slightly obliquely. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is laying down in a shady position, the tail is large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. The dog’s long neck with a slightly sloping slope is distinctive. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is firm.
In general, the breed is sound however, serious issues include roached backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should never go forward of the point where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protection and hunting prey). If these drives aren’t fulfilled in some way through play or work, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were developed to reduce these impulses. However, they require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balance life.
GSDs are usually shy around strangers and can be initially suspicious of them. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They make wonderful family pets when properly socialized from a young age, and are generally good with children.
The GSD is resilient to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can impact the quality of its life. These include seizures, epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog’s exposure to harsh UV rays, and ensuring it receives routine vaccinations should lower the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and highly capable of training. They are an active dog breed that excels at many jobs, such as police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel in bomb and drug detection and aiding blind people. They also make excellent family pets. However, this strong and confident breed needs a clear sense of purpose 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, and may not be suitable for apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a firm temperament. They are loyal, alert, and suspicious of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz Kaufen (http://maven.jgiot.com/) trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can become aggressive. These dogs are very smart and can be self-sufficient and easily bored, so they need an outlet that can satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to a breed that is responsive and obedient. He was opposed to those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece and he made sure his dogs had stable temperaments with strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He even refused to breed certain dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had sharp angles in their croups and rear and front pasterns since he believed that these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to do its job as it is.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs that have a high blood supply. They can also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by ensuring the physical health of your german shepherd kaufen Shepherd. This includes providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors, in a safe area away from traffic and other hazards. Keep him clean by scrubbing his dense double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove hairs that are loose. It is also recommended to take him to your veterinarian regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop eye conditions and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. They may also suffer from an illness that is genetic, known as hereditary von Willebrand’s disorder, which impacts their ability to clot blood, and is found in both female and male dogs.
As a working breed, GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training, and they can suffer from joint problems as a result. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other symptoms. It’s not always a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders with a good reputation are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, as well as the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing the disorder aren’t bred.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can cause stiffness and pain. This condition is most prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing an enormous growth spurt.
The dogs require an diet rich in protein, with a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to help maintain the health of their coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis can benefit from food that has joint support, like the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months must be given moderate exercise like walking or playing with a dog if they’re compatible. However they shouldn’t run at a high speed, since this could cause damage to their growing joints.
Feeding table food or animal bones should be avoided as these can cause digestive upset, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs could benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable and biddable dogs who thrive under a knowledgeable guide’s supervision. As such, they are an excellent choice for military and police work in search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. Their unwavering loyalty also makes them a wonderful family pet when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. As a puppy expose your puppy various animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel comfortable and secure in a new place and will help them learn to trust humans from an early age.
It takes patience, consistency, as well as positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods like shouting and physical punishment as they can lead to fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. Exercises for mental stimulation can be as important as physical exercise for an GSD, especially in a chaotic or busy household. This can help them to keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at competitions and public events.
Some of the health issues that are specific to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions are preventable with responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle adjustments.
Despite their infamous reputation German Shepherds are devoted family pets. They are usually affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are they are exposed to them from an early age. Their size and strength make them formidable guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. They could also display indications of a genetic tendency to aggression if not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they receive the education and socialization they require to thrive.