The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of speed and strength. Their ability to train and their protection instincts make them beloved pets for families.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances will help you 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 a GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess an unwavering temperament. It must also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinct double coat made up of a hard outer layer and an undercoat that is soft. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and obliquely set. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is slender and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The neck of the breed is long and slightly sloping. deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is solid.
In general the breed is healthy however, serious issues include roached backs and lengthy pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly so. The rear leg should never go beyond the point where the foot leaves a mark.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drive. These are the behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as the pursuit of prey. If these drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, for example through work or playing, it can lead aggression. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that helps dampen these drives however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
GSDs are generally shy and cautious towards strangers at first. This protective trait makes them excellent guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. When properly socialized from a young age they can be wonderful pets for families. They also make great kids.
The GSD is resistant to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can impact the quality of its life. These include seizures and epilepsy and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation and making sure it receives regular vaccinations can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also capable of being trained. They are an active dog breed that excels at a variety of tasks, including herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel in the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as aiding blind people. They are also excellent family members. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear goal and the focus and attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They need a lot of exercise and space, and may not be a good fit in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior could turn into aggression. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, yet easily bored. They must find ways to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created a breed that is responsive and well-behaved. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding impulses, as well as an ideal 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 undermine the ability of the breed to carry out its traditional tasks.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can affect any dog breed German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. 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 an appropriate diet and exercise. It is important to give him plenty of time to play and run around in a secure area free of traffic. Regularly brush your double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. You should also make sure that you take him to the vet on a regular basis to have regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health record, but health issues do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. Both female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of clotting blood.
As a breed that is primarily used for work, many GSDs undergo strenuous exercise during their training, and can develop joint issues as a consequence. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the cartilage and joint, leading to lameness, pain and other signs. It is not a major condition but can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, as well as the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia do not breed.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis. This causes bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the legs. The condition is particularly frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.
These dogs require a diet high in protein and a large mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from a diet with joints-supporting ingredients, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under the age of 18 months should be given moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with another dog if they're compatible. However, they should not run at a high speed, as this could damage their joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food as they can trigger vomiting, digestive upsets, anorexia and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that help break down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart high-trained dogs who thrive under the guidance of a knowledgeable handler. They are a great choice for police, military search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their constant loyalty makes them a wonderful pet, if properly trained and socialized.
The first step in establishing an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to variety 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 secure and at ease in a new environment and will help them learn to trust humans at an early age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as physical and verbal punishment, as they can lead to fear-based aggression. Instead, use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of a busy household. This can help them 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 sporting events or public events.
German Shepherds are at risk of various health issues, including hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments are preventable with responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle adjustments.
Despite their fearsome reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are often affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if exposed to them at an early age. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength but they should be supervised when they are around children. They could also display indications of a genetic tendency toward aggression if they are not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure that they are receiving the proper training and socialization they need to flourish.