The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Their exceptional training capabilities and the ability to protect make them cherished family pets.

When shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog, look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances can help determine reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and are able to be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be a steady temperament, self-assured and brave. It should also be able to be handled and willing to please.

The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly elongated. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is slender and reaches to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is strong.

In general the breed is healthy However, it has some serious flaws. These include roached backs and long pasterns that hinder correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should never go beyond the point where the foot makes an impression.

As working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protection and chasing prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled through work or play this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way which helps to reduce these drives however they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live a healthy lifestyle.

GSDs tend to be reserved and suspicious towards strangers at first. This makes them great guard dogs. It requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They make wonderful family pets when socialized properly from a young age and they're typically great with children.

The GSD is resistant to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of its life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays, and ensuring regular vaccinations are given to the dog will lower the risk of developing these diseases.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of training. They are a working breed that excel in a variety of jobs, including herding, police work such as search and rescue bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They are also excellent pet for families. However, this strong and confident breed requires a clear sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to use their strength and energy positively. They need a lot of exercise and space, and may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.

The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen and suspicious of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior could turn into aggressive. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, yet easily bored. They must find ways to 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 kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we have today. He was opposed to those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece, and he made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a sound body structure. He did not breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with a steep angle on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would impede the ability of the breed to perform its traditional tasks.

German Shepherds can also be susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs that have a high blood supply. They may also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.

To avoid these issues ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. You should allow him ample time to play and run outdoors in a secure area free of traffic. Keep him clean by brushing his thick double coat on a regular basis and using a de-shedding device or a rake undercoat to remove loose hairs. It is also important to ensure that you visit the vet regularly for routine health checks.

Health

German Shepherds have a good health history, however some health problems are present. They are susceptible to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. Both male and female can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of clotting blood.

GSDs are a working breed and consequently, they are subject to strenuous training. As a result, they can develop joint problems. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other signs. It's not always a serious problem however it can cause pain for dogs.

A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.

Like all large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the joints. This condition is most frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through the midst of a massive growth spurt.

The dogs require an diet rich in protein, and a large amount of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to support healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from joint support in their diet, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should have moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and, if compatible with other dogs, playing together, but should not run at full speed, as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.

Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food, as they can cause vomiting, digestive upsets, anorexia and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.

Training

German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive under the direction of a knowledgeable handler. As such, they are a great choice for military and police tasks, search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. Their constant loyalty makes them an excellent pet, if well-socialized and properly trained.

Socialization is the first step in creating a well-adjusted GSD. As a puppy, expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel secure and at ease in a new setting and will help them become comfortable with humans at an early age.

It takes patience, consistency and Reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweizeinen deutschen schäferhund kaufenschäferhundwelpen kaufen - Www.Clinicunion.Com, positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling and physical punishment because they can trigger fear-based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.

Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to a GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have an area with a lot of activity. This will help keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to get distracted by street noises, thunderstorms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events or public events.

German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues such as hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle accommodations.

German Shepherds are loving family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. When they are around children at a young age, they can be tender and loving towards smaller animals like cats. However, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be observed around children who are younger. They could also display indications of a genetic predisposition to aggression if not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he gets the training and socialization that he needs to thrive.