The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect balance of strength and speed. Its high trainability and natural protective instincts make them cherished family dogs.

If you are looking for a purebred german shepherd dog, look for breeders who have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances can help you identify reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are incredibly strong intelligent dogs that are trainable. They are incredibly affectionate to their families and are fearless guardians of them. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess a steady temperament. It should 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 double coat that consists of an outer layer of hardness, and a softer undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and slightly set. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. When the dog is resting in a shady position, the tail is big and swollen. It is a little below the hocks. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is solid and the ribs are well-sprung.

The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns, which hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not overly so. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves a mark.

As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drives. These are behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as the pursuit of prey. If these high-drives aren't satisfied in some way through play or work this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds have been developed to reduce these impulses. However, they require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and Schäferhund welpe kaufen mental stimulation in order to keep their lives in balance.

GSDs tend to be shy and altdeutscher schäferhund Kaufen cautious towards strangers initially. This makes them great guard dogs. It requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when properly socialized at a young age and they're generally great with children.

The GSD is a resilient species to illnesses and has a high threshold for schäferhund kaufen pain, but certain health conditions can negatively impact the quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV rays, and ensuring you get regular vaccinations will help.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn, and highly capable of training. They are a working breed and excel in a variety tasks, such as herding, police work such as search and rescue bomb and drug detection and guiding blind. They also make great companions for families. This powerful and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal as well as the attention and focus of a responsible owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require a lot of exercise and room, and may not be a good fit for smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can escalate into aggression when not properly trained, socialized, and controlled. These dogs are very smart and can be insecure and bored, purebred German Shepherd which is why they require an outlet that can satisfy their curiosity.

Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is receptive and obedient. He was opposed to those who believed that German Shepherds should be a display dog, and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments and strong herding instincts and 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 undermine the ability of the breed to fulfill its usual tasks.

In addition to the hereditary diseases that affect every breed of dog, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs such as the liver and spleen. They can also develop lung, bone, or Schäferhund beschützerinstinkt intestinal cancers.

You can prevent these conditions by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors, in a safe area away from traffic and other hazards. Keep him looking neat by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis, using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove hairs that have fallen off. Also, make sure that you take him to the veterinarian on a regular basis for routine health checks.

Health

German Shepherds have a good health record, but some health issues do exist. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears like degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits their ability to clot the blood.

As a working breed GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training and they can suffer from joint problems as a result. A common one is hip dysplasia, characterized by a lack of growth and development of the cartilage and joint which can cause discomfort, lameness, and other symptoms. It is not a major condition, but it can be painful to the dog.

Breeders with a good reputation X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, including the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high chance of developing the disorder are not breeding.

Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can lead to pain and stiffness. The condition is especially prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through a large 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. Dogs with arthritis will benefit from a diet that contains joints-supporting ingredients, such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs who are less than 18 months should get moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with another dog, if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed because this can damage their growing joints.

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

Training

German Shepherds are smart high-trained dogs who thrive when they're under the direction of a knowledgeable handler. They are a great choice for police, military search and rescue, and therapy dog roles. However, their dedication to their job makes them a great pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.

Socialization is the first step towards raising a well-adjusted GSD. From a young age expose your puppy various animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel more comfortable and secure and will teach them to trust people at an early age.

Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and German Shepherd for sale positive reinforcement. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods like physical and verbal punishment, as they can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for reward-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.

Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. Exercises for mental stimulation are as essential for an GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have a busy household. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or storms or other dogs in the park, or crowds at competitions and public events.

German Shepherds are prone to various health issues such as hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle accommodations.

Despite their infamous reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are generally friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are exposed to them at a young age. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them formidable guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. If they are not sufficiently exposed to socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he needs to flourish.