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 in search of a purebred German Shepherd select breeders who value the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances can help you determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their family and are able to be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self-assured and brave. It must also be obedient and willing to be obedient.
The breed is medium in size, slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness and a softer undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and obliquely set. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is slender and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is at rest. The neck of the breed is long and slightly sloping. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is strong.
In general the breed is sound however, serious issues include roached backs as well as long pasterns that interfere with correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should never go forward of the point where the forefoot makes an impression.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protectiveness and the pursuit of prey). If these high drives are not satisfied in some way, such as through play or work and it can lead to aggression. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that can help reduce these urges but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are generally cautious around strangers and could be cautious at first. This trait of protection makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are great family pets when socialized properly from a young age, and they're typically great with children.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is able to fight off illness, however it has certain health issues that could impact its quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and ensuring that it is regularly vaccinated will lower the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn and highly trainable. They are an active dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and aiding blind people. They are also excellent family members. This powerful and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the attention and focus of a responsible owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require a lot of space and exercise. They might not be suited to apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a firm and steady temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and are sceptical of strangers. This watchful and protective behavior can escalate into aggression when they are not properly trained, socialized and managed. These dogs are very smart and can be insecure and bored, and they require a good outlet for their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is friendly and obedient. He disagreed with people who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece, and he made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and sound body structure. He did not breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with sharp angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. More hints believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to carry out its traditional tasks.
In addition to the hereditary disorders that can plague any breed of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers such as hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. They may also develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
You can avoid these ailments by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This includes giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. You should allow plenty of time to run and play in a safe area away from traffic. Regularly brush his double coat with the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. You should also take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they do have certain health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. Both 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 many GSDs undergo strenuous exercise during their training, and they can suffer from joint problems as a result. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the joint and cartilage that can result in discomfort, lameness and other signs. This is not a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders with a good reputation have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic history, which includes the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia do not bred.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, which causes stiffness and pain in the joints. This condition is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
They require a diet high in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain skin and coat health. Dogs with arthritis can benefit from food that has joints-supporting ingredients, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should be exercising moderately including multiple walks and, if compatible with another dog playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Feeding table food or bones from animals must be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to help break down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements aren't necessary, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the guidance by a knowledgeable handler. They are a great choice for military and police work in search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. But their unwavering loyalty also makes them a great pet to have when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. As a puppy expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel confident and comfortable in a new setting and will help them become comfortable with humans from an early age.
It requires patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement like yelling or physical punishment that could lead to fear based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also crucial to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. The stimulation of the mind is equally important as physical exercise for the GSD especially in a chaotic or busy household. This will help to keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to become distracted by street noises storms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events and public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions, including hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and the intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. They are often affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if exposed to them at a young age. Their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be observed around children who are younger. They could also display signs of a hereditary tendency toward aggression if they are not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they receive the education and socialization they require to thrive.