The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them loved family dogs.

When you are shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog Find breeders that adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their dogs. You can identify trustworthy breeders by requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are strong intelligent dogs that are capable of being trained. They are loyal to their family and can be fearless guardians. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess an unwavering temperament. It must also be obedient and willing to obey.

The breed is medium-sized with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of an outer layer of hardness and German Shepherd Kaufen an undercoat that is soft. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. When the dog is lying down, the tail is large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. The neck of the breed 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 issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should never go beyond the point where the foot leaves a mark.

As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drive. These are the behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and hunting of prey. When these high drives aren't fulfilled through play or work this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that helps dampen these drives, but they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain an enlightened lifestyle.

GSDs are generally cautious and suspicious of strangers at first. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When socialized properly from a young age they can make great family pets. They're also great with children.

The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resistant to illness, however it does have certain health conditions that may affect its quality of living. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and ensuring that it is regularly vaccinated will help reduce the chance of developing these conditions.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of training. They are a working breed and excel at a variety of tasks, such as herding, police work, search and rescue drug and bomb detection and guiding blind people. They also make great family companions. This powerful and confident breed requires a clear purpose and SchäFerhunde Kaufen the focus and attention of a responsible owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require a lot of exercise and room, and may not be a good fit in smaller living spaces.

The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert and they are sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior can turn into aggressive. They are extremely intelligent and can be very self-sufficient and easily bored, so they need an outlet that can satisfy their curiosity.

Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to a breed that is responsive and well-behaved. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and made sure that his dogs were calm, had strong herding instincts, and Deutscher SchäFerhund Zu Verkaufen a sound body structure. He also refused to breed with dogs that had unstable temperaments or sharp angles in their croups as well as rear and front pasterns since he believed that these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its traditional work.

German Shepherds are also susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the liver and spleen, organs with heightened blood supply. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.

You can avoid these ailments by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a safe space away from traffic and other dangers. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat with tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. You should also visit your vet regularly for regular health checks.

Health

German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections, and they can develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. They also may suffer from a genetic disease known as hereditary von Willebrand's disorder, which impacts their ability to clot blood, and is found in both female and male dogs.

As a breed that is primarily used for work, GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint issues as a consequence. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of cartilage and joint that can result in discomfort, deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen lameness and other signs. It's not a serious condition but can be painful for the dog.

Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, including how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia do not bred.

Like many large breeds, German Shepherds also be affected by panosteitis, SchäFerhunde Kaufen which causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the limbs. The condition is particularly prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.

These dogs need an diet rich in protein, as well as a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to help maintain the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their food, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should have moderate exercise, such as multiple walks and, if compatible with other dogs playing together, but should not be allowed to run at full speed, as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.

Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals should be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion and digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements aren't necessary since a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.

Training

German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable handler's guidance. They are therefore a good choice for police, military search and rescue, and therapy dog roles. However, their dedication to their job makes them a wonderful pet to have when properly trained and socialized.

The first step to raising an equidistant GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to a range of people and animals from an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure and will teach them to trust people at an early age.

Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as yelling and physical punishment because they can trigger fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.

Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises can be equally important as physical exercise for the GSD especially in a hectic or busy household. This will help to keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to be distracted by street noises, thunderstorms and other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and public events.

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

Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are loving family pets. They are generally affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, when exposed to them from a young age. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when around young children. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic tendency to aggression if not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy preschool or obedience classes to ensure they are receiving the proper education and socialization they require to flourish.