The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Their exceptional training capabilities and protective instincts make these dogs beloved pets for families.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances can help find reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and can be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that a GSD must be confident, courageous, and have a steady temperament. It must also be able to be handled and willing to please.
schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz is muscular, medium-sized and slightly elongated. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is resting on its back, the tail becomes bushy. It extends below the hocks. The dog's long, slightly sloping neck is distinctive. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally healthy however it is prone to serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns, which interfere with the correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly exaggerated and the rear leg should never pass in the direction of where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drive. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these high drives are not satisfied in a certain way, such as through work or playing and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way which helps to reduce these drives but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to live a balanced life.
GSDs are generally cautious and suspicious of strangers at first. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized early in life, they make wonderful pets for families. They also make great kids.
The GSD is a resilient species to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of its life. These include epilepsy/seizures as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV rays, and ensuring you get regular vaccinations will aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also capable of training. They are an active breed that excels at a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at detection of explosives and drugs, and guiding blind people. They also make excellent pets for families. However, this powerful and confident breed requires a clear sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to channel their energy and strength positively. They require a lot of exercise and room, and might not be suited in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a firm temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained, this protective and watchful behavior could turn into aggression. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, yet easily bored. They need to find ways to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in a breed that is responsive and respectful. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding impulses, and solid body structure. He did not breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with sharp angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to fulfill its usual tasks.
In addition to the hereditary disorders that can plague any breed of dog German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They may also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes providing him with a healthy diet and regular exercise. It is important to give plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a safe place free of traffic. Regularly brush your double coat with a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. You should also make sure that you visit 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 prone to ear infections, and they can develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. Both female and male dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits their ability to clot the blood.
GSDs are a working breed, and consequently, they are subject to intense training. In the process, they can develop joint problems. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause pain, lameness and other signs. This is not a serious condition but can be painful to the dog.
reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen X-ray their dogs and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, which includes the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high chance of developing the disorder aren't breeding.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds can be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the joints. 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 need food that is rich in protein, and an abundance of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from food with joint support, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months must be given moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with another dog if they are compatible. However, they should not run at full speed because this can damage their growing joints.
Feeding table food or bones from animals should be avoided, because they can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that help break down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable and biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable handler's guidance. As such, they are an excellent choice for military and police tasks such as search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a wonderful pet, if they are properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well adjusted GSD. As a puppy expose your puppy to different people and animals. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure and help them trust people from an early age.
It requires patience, consistency, as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling or physical punishment that could cause fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also important to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises can be as important as physical exercise for an GSD particularly in a hectic or busy household. This can help them keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to get distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms and other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events or public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions, including hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
Despite their fearsome reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are usually affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them at a young age. Their size and strength make them formidable guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. If they're not sufficiently exposed to socialization and training, they may show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure they are receiving the proper training and socialization they need to thrive.