The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of agility and strength. Its high trainability and natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers as well as prior health clearances can help you find reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their family and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be steady of temperament, self-assured and courageous. It should also be obedient and willing to be obedient.
The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness, and a softer undercoat. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned in a oblique manner. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is laying down on its back, the tail becomes large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. The dog's long, slightly sloping neck is a characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, and the spine is strong.
In general the breed is sound however, serious issues include roached backs as well as long pasterns that hinder correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful but not overly exaggerated. The rear leg should not go in the direction of w here the forefoot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drives. These are behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as chasing of prey. If these high-drives aren't fulfilled through work or play, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that helps dampen these drives however they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
GSDs are generally shy around strangers and can be initially suspicious of them. This protective trait makes them excellent guard dogs and requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. If properly socialized from a young age they can make great family pets. They also make great children.
The GSD is resistant to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can affect the quality of its life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. The best way to prevent these diseases is to limit your dog's exposure UV rays and making sure you get regular vaccinations will aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of being trained. They are a working dog breed that excels in a variety of jobs, such as police work, herding and search and rescue. They also excel in bomb and drug detection and aiding blind people. They are also great family pets. This strong and confident breed requires a clear goal as well as the attention and focus of a shrewd owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require a lot of space and exercise. They might not be suitable for apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. This watchful and protective behaviour can become aggressive if not properly trained, socialized and managed. These dogs are very smart and can be independent and easily bored, which is why they require a good outlet for their curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds, in his breeding program to create the responsive and obedient breed that we see today. He did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a solid body structure. He refused to breed 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 fulfill its primary duties.
German Shepherds can also be prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer that affects the liver and spleen, organs with heightened blood supply. They may also develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him the right diet and exercise. You should give him plenty of time to play and run around in a secure area free of traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. You should also bring him to the vet regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections and can develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears like degenerative amyelopathy. Both male and female dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of clotting blood.
As a working breed, GSDs often engage in vigorous exercise during their training, and they can suffer from joint issues as a consequence. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other signs. It's not always a serious issue, but it can be painful for the dog.
Reputable breeders X-ray their dogs and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy as well as its genetic background, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high chance of developing the disorder aren't breed.
Like all large breeds, German Shepherds can be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the limbs. This condition is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
The dogs require food that is rich in protein, with a generous blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. Dogs with arthritis are able to benefit from a diet that contains joint support, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under the age of 18 months should get moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with a different dog if they are compatible. However they shouldn't run at full speed, because this can damage the joints they are developing.
Table food or animal bones should be avoided as these can cause digestive upset, vomiting anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies can benefit from a probiotic supplement to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to assist in breaking down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements aren't necessary, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are smart high-trained dogs who thrive when they're under the direction of a knowledgeable handler. They are therefore a good option for military, police search and rescue, and therapy dog roles. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a wonderful pet, if they are properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and other animals from an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games and even visiting local dog parks. This will make 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 as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling, or physical punishment that could cause fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. The stimulation of the mind is as important as physical exercise for a GSD particularly in a hectic or busy household. This helps them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by street sounds or storms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and other public events.
Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds are Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones as well as the lungs and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. When they are around children as young as, they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets such as cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength, but they should be supervised when around young children. They could also exhibit signs of a hereditary tendency towards aggression if not exposed to appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure that they receive the training and socialization they require to thrive.