The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD represents the perfect balance of agility and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them cherished family dogs.

When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog Find breeders that adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances can help you determine reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are powerful intelligent dogs that are easily trainable. They are loyal to their families and are able to be fearless guardians. The breed standard states that a GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have an unwavering temperament. It must also be obedient and willing to obey.

The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly elongated. It has a double coat that consists of an outer layer of hardness and a softer undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. The ears are large at the base and pointed. When the dog is resting in a shady position, the tail is big and swollen. It reaches below the hocks. The long, slightly sloping neck is distinctive. The chest is large and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is solid.

The breed is generally healthy 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 extend beyond the point where the foot leaves an impression.

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 through play or work and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that can help reduce these urges but they require lots of positive reinforcement training, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufenschäferhund welpen österreich kaufen (click the following website) physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

GSDs tend to be reserved and suspicious towards strangers initially. This protective trait makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized at a young age, they make wonderful pets for the family. They are also great with children.

The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resistant to illness, however it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that may affect its quality of living. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure UV rays and ensuring that it receives routine vaccinations should help reduce the chance of developing these conditions.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn, and highly capable of being trained. They are a working dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at detection of explosives and drugs, and guiding blind people. They are also excellent family pets. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to use their strength and energy in a positive way. They require a lot of exercise and room, and may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a solid and steady temperament. They are loyal, vigilant and sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained, this protective and watchful behavior could turn into aggressive. Dogs with these traits can be smart, independent and easily bored. They must find ways to satisfy their curiosity.

Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds, in his breeding program to develop the kind of dog that was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund obedient and responsive that we have today. He disagreed with people who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a 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 front and rear pasterns as he believed these traits would undermine the breed's ability to perform its traditional work.

In addition to the hereditary ailments that can affect any dog breed, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. They also can develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.

To prevent these conditions to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. It is important to give him ample time to play and run outdoors in a secure area free of traffic. Keep him looking neat by scrubbing his dense double coat on a regular basis by using a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake to get rid of hairs that have fallen off. It is recommended that you take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health check-ups.

Health

German Shepherds have a great health history, however some health issues are present. They are prone to ear infections and they can develop ailments that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. Both male and female dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits their ability to clot the blood.

As a working breed, GSDs are often involved in strenuous training and can develop joint issues as a result. The most frequent is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the joint and cartilage which can cause lameness, pain and other signs. It is not a major condition, but it can be painful for the dog.

Breeders who are trustworthy X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, including the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breeding.

Like most large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis. This causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the limbs. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.

They require an enriched diet rich in protein with a generous mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis are able to benefit from a diet that contains joints-supporting ingredients, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with a different dog if they're compatible. However they shouldn't run at a high speed, since this could cause damage to their joints that are growing.

Avoid feeding animal bone or table food because they can cause vomiting, digestive upsets, anorexia and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should supply the appropriate amount of these nutrients.

Training

German Shepherds are highly trainable and biddable dogs who thrive under a skilled trainer's guidance. They are ideal for military and police work such as search and rescue as well as therapy dog roles and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet, if they are properly trained and socialized.

The first step to raising an equidistant GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to a range of people and animals at an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games and visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel confident and comfortable in a new environment and help them become comfortable with humans from an early age.

It requires patience, perseverance as well as positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. It is crucial to stay clear of negative reinforcement methods, such as yelling and physical punishment because they can trigger fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.

It is also important to provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. The stimulation of the mind is just as important as physical exercises for an GSD especially in a hectic or busy household. This will help to keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to become distracted by street noises storms and other dogs in the park or crowds at competitions and public events.

German Shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions that include Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs and the intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.

Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are devoted family pets. When they are around children as young as they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets like cats. Their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be observed around children who are younger. If they aren't exposed enough to training and socialization, they may show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he receives the training and socialization that he needs to thrive.