The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Their ability to train and their protection instincts make them loved family pets.

If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. You can determine reliable breeders by asking for pedigree documents and previous health clearances.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are powerful intelligent dogs that are easily trainable. They are loyal to their families and can be fearless guardians. The breed standard says that the GSD must be steady of temperament, confident, and Schäferhunde suchen Ein Zuhause courageous. It should also be able to be handled 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 a hard outer layer and an undercoat that is soft. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is bushy and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is lying down. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is solid and the ribs are well-sprung.

In general the breed is sound however, serious issues include roached backs and long pasterns that hinder correct movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression.

As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral tendencies and deutscher schäferhund Welpen kaufen desires towards things like territorial protectiveness and the pursuit of prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled in some way through play or work, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that can help reduce these urges however they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

GSDs are generally reserved and suspicious towards strangers at first. This is a characteristic that makes them excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when properly socialized at a young age and they're typically great with children.

The GSD is resilient to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and ensuring that it is regularly vaccinated will help reduce the risk of these conditions.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen eager to learn. They are also highly capable of being trained. They are a working breed that excel in a variety jobs, including herding, police work, search and rescue, bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They also make excellent family companions. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energy and strength in a positive way. They require plenty of space and exercise, and may not be suitable for apartments or other living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and steady temperament. They are loyal and Blaue schäferhunde vigilant, and they are sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can become aggressive. They are extremely intelligent and can be insecure and bored, so they need an outlet that can satisfy their natural curiosity.

Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is friendly and obedient. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a sound body structure. He even resisted breeding certain dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups, as well as rear and front pasterns because he believed that these characteristics could hamper the breed's ability to perform its work.

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

You can prevent these conditions by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This includes providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. You should give him ample time to run and play in a safe place away from traffic. Regularly brush your double coat with the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you visit your vet regularly for routine health checks.

Health

German Shepherds have a good health history, however some health problems do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of dogs to clot blood.

GSDs are a working breed and as such, they go through rigorous training. As a result, they can develop joint problems. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that can cause pain, lameness and other symptoms. It is not a major condition but can be painful for the dog.

Breeders with a good reputation have their dogs X-rayed and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, as well as the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing the disorder aren't bred.

Like all large breeds, schäferhund welpen österreich kaufen German Shepherds can be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the legs. The condition is especially prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are experiencing a large growth spurt.

They require an enriched diet rich in protein with a generous mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins for skin and coat health. They can benefit from joint support in their food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months should get moderate exercise, such as walking or playing with a 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 bone from animals or table food because they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs could benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to assist in breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

Training

German Shepherds are smart high-trained dogs who thrive under the supervision by a knowledgeable handler. They are ideal for police and military tasks in search and rescue as well as therapy dog roles and many other specializations. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a wonderful pet, if properly trained and socialized.

Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to variety of people and animals at an early age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel more secure and confident and will teach them to trust people at an early age.

Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as shouting and physical punishment as they can cause fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and einen deutschen schäferhund kaufen rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.

It is also crucial to provide your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercises for a GSD particularly in a hectic or busy household. This helps them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by sounds or schäferhund welpen österreich Kaufen storms or other dogs in the park, schäferhund welpen Kaufen schweiz or crowds at competitions and other public events.

Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.

Despite their infamous reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are often friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if exposed to them from an early age. Their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic predisposition towards aggression if 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 require to thrive.