The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and agility. Their ability to train and their the ability to protect make them beloved pets for families.

When looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances can help you determine reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be confident, courageous, schäferhund welpen österreich deutsche schäferhunde kaufen; http://downloads.chekrs.com/view/?url=https://entzckendescferhundwelpen-wec35d.de, and have a calm and schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen steady temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.

The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly longer. It has a distinctive double coat that consists of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is bushy and extends to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The neck of the breed is long and slightly sloping. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is firm.

The breed is generally healthy however it is prone to serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns, which hinder proper movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point where the foot leaves a mark.

As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drive. These are behaviors and needs that involve territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these high-drives aren't satisfied in some way through work or play this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that can help reduce these urges but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain a balanced life.

GSDs tend to be cautious and suspicious of strangers initially. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when they are socialized properly at a young age and they're typically great with children.

The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is able to fight off illnesses, but it has certain health issues that could impact its quality of life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure UV rays, and ensuring it receives routine vaccinations should reduce the chance of developing these conditions.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are a working dog breed that excels at many jobs, such as police work, herding, and deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich Kaufen schweiz; https://atlantis-tv.ru, search and rescue. They also excel at the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as guiding blind people. They also make excellent pet for families. However, this powerful and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energy and strength positively. They require plenty of space and SchäFerhund Welpen öSterreich Kaufen exercise. They might not be suitable for smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert and they are sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggression. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, but they can also be bored. They must find a way to satisfy their natural curiosity.

Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is friendly and well-behaved. He disagreed with people who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and sound body structure. He was against breeding dogs with unstable temperaments, or with sharp angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to carry out its primary duties.

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

You can avoid these ailments by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. You should give him plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a secure area away from traffic. Keep him clean by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis by using a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake to remove loose hairs. It is also recommended to visit your vet regularly for regular health checks.

Health

German Shepherds have a great health history, however some health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections, and can develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from an inherited disease called hereditary von Willebrand's disease, which impacts their ability to clot blood, and is present 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 issues as a consequence. The most frequent is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the cartilage and joint, leading to pain, lameness, and other symptoms. It is not a major condition but can be painful to the dog.

Reputable breeders X-ray their dogs and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, which includes the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.

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

The dogs need an enriched diet rich in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis will benefit from a diet that contains joint support, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months must be given moderate exercise like walking or playing with a dog, if they are compatible. However they shouldn't run at full speed as this could damage their joints that are growing.

Avoid feeding table food or animal bone as they can trigger vomiting, digestive upsets anorexia and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs could benefit from a probiotic supplement to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid with breaking down proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not necessary, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.

Training

German Shepherds are highly trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable guide's supervision. As such, they are a great choice for police and military work, search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. But their unwavering loyalty also makes them a great pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.

Socialization is the first step to creating a well-adjusted GSD. From a young age expose your puppy to different people and animals. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel confident and comfortable in a new setting and ensure that they learn to trust 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 like physical and verbal punishment, as they can trigger fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.

It is also crucial to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to a GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of an area with a lot of activity. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by sounds or storms or other dogs in the park, or the crowds at competitions and public events.

German Shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and the intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.

German Shepherds are devoted family dogs despite their reputation for being feared. They are generally affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them from a young age. Their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. If they aren't sufficiently exposed 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 gets the training and socialization that he needs to thrive.