The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and speed. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them beloved family dogs.

When 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 dogs. Requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances can help determine reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are incredibly strong intelligent dogs that are easily capable of being trained. They are incredibly affectionate to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be confident, courageous, and have a steady temperament. It must also be respectful and willing to be obedient.

The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly extended. It has a double coat made up 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 large at the base and pointed. When the dog is resting, the tail is large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. The breed's long neck, with a slight slope, is a characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is solid and the ribs are well-sprung.

In general the breed is healthy however, serious issues include roached backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly so. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point where the foot leaves a mark.

As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high-energy drives. These are behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as chasing of prey. If these high-drives aren't fulfilled in some way through work or play and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds have been developed to reduce these urges. However, they still require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a balance life.

GSDs tend to be reserved and suspicious towards strangers initially. This trait of protection makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to prevent overreactions. They are great family pets when socialized properly from a young age, and they're generally great with children.

The GSD has an extremely high threshold for pain and is able to fight off illness, however it has certain health conditions that may affect its quality of living. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation, and ensuring it receives regular vaccinations can help.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are an active dog breed that excels at a variety of jobs, such as police work, herding and search and rescue. They also excel at the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as helping blind people. They are also excellent family members. However, this powerful 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 exercise and room, and might not be suited in apartments or smaller living spaces.

The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggressive. These dogs are very smart and can be insecure and bored, which is why they require a good outlet for their curiosity.

Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created a breed that is responsive and obedient. He disagreed with people who believed that German Shepherds should be a display dog, and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments with strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He refused to breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with steep angles on their croups or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to perform its primary duties.

In addition to the hereditary diseases that affect every dog breed, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, including Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They can also develop bone, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund Welpen kaufen schweiz (wiki.project1999.Com) lung, or intestinal cancers.

To avoid these issues ensure your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him an appropriate diet and exercise. You should give plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a safe place away from traffic. Regularly brush his double coat, using a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. You should also make sure that you visit the vet on a regular basis for routine health checks.

Health

German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have certain health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. Both male and female can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, deutscher SchäFerhund kaufen a genetic condition that limits the ability of dogs to clot blood.

As a working breed, GSDs often engage in vigorous exercise during their training and they can suffer from joint issues as a result. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by improper growth and development of the cartilage and joint which can cause lameness, pain, and other symptoms. This is not always a serious condition but it can cause pain for dogs.

Breeders with a good reputation have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, which includes the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing the disorder aren't breed.

Like many large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the joints. This condition is most frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.

The dogs need a diet high in protein, with a good mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis are able to benefit from a diet that has joint support, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months should get moderate exercise such as walking and playing with a different dog if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed as this could damage their joints that are growing.

Avoid feeding animal bone or table food because they can cause vomiting, digestive upsets anorexia, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages could benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to assist 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 and biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled trainer's guidance. This makes them ideal for police and military work such as search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a wonderful pet, if they are properly socialized and trained.

The first step in establishing an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. From an early age, expose your puppy to various animals and people. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel more confident and comfortable and help them trust people from a young age.

Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling, or physical punishment that could result in fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your german shepherd kaufen Shepherd the basic commands.

It is also crucial to provide your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. The stimulation of the mind is equally important as physical exercise for an GSD especially in a hectic or busy household. This helps keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to become distracted by street noises or thunderstorms or other dogs in the park, or crowds at competitions or public events.

German Shepherds are at risk of a number of health conditions such as hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.

Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are devoted family pets. They are usually loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, when exposed to them at an early age. Their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be watched over children younger than them. They could also display indications of a genetic tendency to aggression if not exposed to appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he needs to flourish.