The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Their exceptional training capabilities and protection instincts make them beloved pets for families.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog select breeders who value the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances will help you find reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are incredibly affectionate to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard states that a GSD should be self-confident, courageous, and have an unwavering temperament. It must also be respectful and willing to be obedient.
The breed is medium-sized, slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer as well as a soft undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and obliquely set. Its ears are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is bushy and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is firm.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful however, they should not be overly exaggerated. Likewise, the rear leg should not go in the direction of where the forefoot leaves an imprint.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drives. These are behaviors and needs that involve territorial protection and the pursuit of prey. If these high-drives are not satisfied in some way, like through work or playing and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that helps dampen these drives, but they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are typically reserved around strangers and may be suspicious of them at first. This protective trait makes them excellent guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They are wonderful pets for families when socialized properly from a young age and they're typically great with children.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resilient against illness, however it does have certain health conditions that can affect its quality of living. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harmful UV rays, and ensuring it receives routine vaccinations should reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also capable of being trained. They are a working breed that excel in a variety of tasks, including herding police work including search and rescue, detection of drugs and bombs, and guiding the blind. They also make excellent pets for families. However, this strong and confident breed needs an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive manner. They require plenty of space and exercise and might not be suitable for apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a firm temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are suspicious of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior could turn into aggressive. These dogs can be intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They need to find a way to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to a breed that is responsive and respectful. He did not agree with those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece, and he made sure that his dogs were stable in their temperaments and strong herding instincts and a solid body structure. He also refused to breed with dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups and front and rear pasterns, as he believed these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its traditional work.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs, which have a higher blood supply. They may also develop lung, bone or intestinal cancers.
To avoid schäferhund kaufen österreich , you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a an appropriate diet and exercise. It is important to give plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a safe place free of traffic. Keep him looking neat by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis by using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove loose hairs. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are prone to ear infections, and they can develop eye conditions and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund may suffer from a genetic disease known as hereditary von Willebrand's disorder, which impacts their ability to clot blood, and is found in females and males dogs.
As a working breed GSDs often engage in vigorous exercise during their training and can develop joint issues as a consequence. A common one is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of cartilage and joint which can cause discomfort, lameness and other signs. It is not a major condition but can be painful to the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, including the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can cause stiffness and pain. This condition is most prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are going through the midst of a massive growth spurt.
The dogs require food that is rich in protein, and a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their diet, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs under the age of 18 months should be given moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with another dog, if they are compatible. However they shouldn't run at full speed, because this can damage their joints that are growing.
Table food or animal bones should be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs can benefit from a probiotic supplementation to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid with breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the direction of a skilled handler. They are a great option for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. But their dedication to their job makes them a great pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. From a young age expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and will teach them to trust people from an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance and positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling or physical punishment, which could lead to fear based aggression. Instead, opt for clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is crucial for your German Shepherd. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to the GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have a busy household. This helps them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or storms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and public events.
Certain health conditions that are specific to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be avoided through responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are devoted family pets. They are generally loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are they are exposed to them from an early age. They are extremely effective guardians due their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when around young children. If they're not being exposed to enough training and socialization and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he needs to be successful.