The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD embodies the ideal balance of agility and strength. Their high trainability and protective instincts make these dogs cherished family pets.

If you are looking for a purebred german shepherd Look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their dogs. You can identify reliable breeders by asking for Schäferhund kaufen welpe pedigree papers and previous health clearances.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are strong intelligent dogs that are highly capable of being trained. They are extremely affectionate to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard says that the GSD must be steady of temperament, self assured and brave. It must also be able to be handled and willing to please.

The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinctive double coat, which is comprised of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is lying down, the tail is large and bushy. 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 strong 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 that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful, but not excessively exaggerated. The rear leg should not go ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves a footprint.

As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drive. These are behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as hunting of prey. If these high drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, like through work or playing and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds were bred to help dampen these urges. However, they require lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep their lives in balance.

GSDs are generally cautious around strangers and could be initially suspicious of them. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs and requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. They are wonderful pets for families when properly socialized at a young age and Reinrassiger SchäFerhund they're generally great with children.

The GSD is a resilient species to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can negatively impact the quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays and making sure that it is regularly vaccinated will help reduce the risk of these conditions.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of being trained. They are a working breed and excel at a variety of tasks, including herding police work such as search and rescue bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They are also excellent companions for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs a clear sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energy and strength positively. They require plenty of exercise and space and might not be suited in apartments or smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm and steady temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior could turn into aggressive. These dogs are very intelligent and can be insecure and bored, so they need a good outlet for their curiosity.

Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to an animal that is friendly and obedient. Max von Stephanitz was not one of those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure that his dogs were calm, Reinrassiger SchäFerhund had strong herding instincts, and solid body structure. He refused to breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable or with a steep angle on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to fulfill its traditional tasks.

In addition to the hereditary diseases that affect every dog breed German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers, such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. They also can develop bone, lung, or 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 has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a secure area away from traffic and other hazards. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat using a deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also important to ensure that you take him to the vet regularly for routine health checks.

Health

German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections and may develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from an illness that is genetic, known as hereditary von Willebrand's disease which affects their ability to clot blood and can be found in both male and female dogs.

As a working breed, many GSDs undergo strenuous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint issues as a consequence. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that causes pain, lameness and other symptoms. It isn't always a serious condition however it can be painful for dogs.

A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, which includes how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high chance of developing the disorder aren't breeding.

Like many large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the legs. This condition is most common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are experiencing a large growth spurt.

They require food that is high in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to ensure skin and coat health. They can benefit from joint support in their food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise like walking and playing with a different dog, if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed because this can damage their joints that are growing.

Avoid feeding animal bone or table food, as they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to assist in the breakdown of proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should supply the appropriate amount of these nutrients.

Training

German Shepherds are highly trainable and biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable guide's supervision. They are therefore a good option for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their constant loyalty makes them a great pet, Schäferhundwelpen Kaufen if they are properly trained and socialized.

Socialization is the first step towards raising a well adjusted GSD. As a puppy, expose your puppy to various animals and people. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure and teach them to trust people from a young age.

It takes patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling and physical punishment because they can lead to fear-based aggression. Instead, use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.

It is also important to give your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. The stimulation of the mind is just as important as physical exercises for a GSD particularly in a busy or chaotic household. This helps to keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to get distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms, other dogs in the park or the crowds at competitions and other public events.

Certain health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.

German Shepherds are devoted family dogs despite their reputation for being feared. They are usually loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are exposed to them from a young age. They are extremely effective guardians due their size and strength however, they must be monitored when they are around young children. If they are not being exposed to enough training and socialization, they may show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen öSterreich, Get More Information, socialization he requires to be successful.