The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect blend of strength and speed. Their ability to train and their the ability to protect make them beloved pets for families.
When you are shopping for purebred german shepherd dogs Look for breeders who have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances will help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely affectionate to their families and are fearless guardians of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be confident and courageous, as well as possess a steady temperament. It must also be tractable and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinctive double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned obliquely. The ears are large at the base and pointed. The tail is bushy and extends to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The dog's long neck, with a slight slope, is characteristic. The chest is large and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally healthy, but it has serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not overly so. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves a mark.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high-energy drives. These are behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and chasing of prey. If these high drives are not satisfied in some way, such as through work or playing or playing, it can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner which helps to reduce these drives, but they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to live an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs tend to be shy and cautious towards strangers at first. This protective trait makes them excellent guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized early in life they can make great pets for families. They're also great with kids.
The GSD is resilient to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can negatively impact the quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays and making sure that it is regularly vaccinated will lower the chance of developing these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and extremely trainable. They are a working breed and excel in a variety of tasks, such as herding, police work such as search and rescue as well as bomb and drug detection and guiding blind. They also make great family members. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of an assertive owner to use their strength and energy positively. They require lots of space and exercise. They may not be suitable for apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert and are sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggressive. They are extremely intelligent and can be very insecure and bored, which is why they require a good outlet for their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is receptive and well-behaved. He did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments and strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He also refused to breed some of his dogs who had unstable temperaments or sharp angles in their croups as well as front and rear pasterns, because he believed that these characteristics could hinder the ability of the breed to do its job as it is.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer that affects the spleen and liver, organs with heightened blood supply. They also can develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with proper diet and exercise. It is important to give him ample time to run and play in a safe place free of traffic. Keep him clean by scrubbing his dense double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake to get rid of loose hairs. It is recommended that you visit your vet regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health record, but some health problems are present. They are prone to ear infections and may develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also be affected by an inherited disease called von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary that affects their capacity to clot blood and is found in both female and male dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and consequently, they are subject to rigorous training. In the process, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that causes pain, lameness and other signs. This is not always a serious issue however it can be painful for dogs.
Breeders who are trustworthy are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy and its genetic history, which includes the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can lead to stiffness and pain. This condition is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
The dogs need a diet high in protein and a large mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to ensure a healthy coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis will benefit from a diet with joints-supporting ingredients, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should have moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and, if they are compatible with other dogs, playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at full speed as it can cause joint damage.
Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals should be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements to help break down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements are not required since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled trainer's guidance. They are therefore a great option for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their constant loyalty makes them a great pet, if they are properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step towards raising a well adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and other animals from a young age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel confident and comfortable in a new environment and help them become comfortable with humans from an early age.
It takes patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods such as shouting and physical punishment as they can trigger fear-based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also essential to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have an area with a lot of activity. This helps keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street or thunderstorms and other dogs in the park, or crowds at competitions or public events.
German Shepherds are prone to various health issues such as Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle adjustments.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are devoted family pets. When they are exposed to children at a young age, they can be friendly and gentle with smaller pets such as cats. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. If they aren't being exposed to enough socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure that they are receiving the proper training and socialization they need to flourish.