The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect blend of strength and speed. Their exceptional training capabilities and protection instincts make them loved family pets.

When you are shopping for purebred german shepherd dogs, look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their animals. You can find reliable breeders by asking for documents on pedigrees and previous health clearances.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are strong intelligent dogs that are easily capable of being trained. They are loyal to their families and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that a GSD must be confident and courageous, as well as possess an unwavering temperament. It must also be obedient and willing to please.

The breed is muscular, medium-sized and Reinrassiger deutscher schäFerhund slightly elongated. It has a distinctive double coat made up of a hard outer layer as well as an undercoat that is soft. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. Its ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is lying down, the tail is big and swollen. It extends below the hocks. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, and the spine is strong.

The breed is generally sound however it is prone to serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that hinder the proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful but not overly exaggerated and the rear leg should never go forward of the point where the forefoot makes an impression.

As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drives. These are behaviors and needs that involve territorial protection and chasing of prey. When these high drives aren't satisfied in some way through play or work this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that can help reduce these urges however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live a balanced life.

GSDs are usually reserved around strangers and may be suspicious of them at first. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs. It requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized from a young age they can be wonderful pets for the family. They're also great with children.

The GSD is resistant to disease and has a very 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 ensuring you get regular vaccinations will aid.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also capable of training. They are a working dog breed that excels at a variety of jobs, SchäFerhund BeschüTzerinstinkt such as police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at detection of explosives and drugs, and helping blind people. They are also great pet for families. However, this powerful and confident breed needs a clear sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energy and strength in a positive way. They require plenty of exercise and space, and may not be suitable in apartments or smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and reinrassiger deutscher schäFerhund Welpe confident, with a strong and steady temperament. They are loyal and alert, and are sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can become aggressive. They are extremely intelligent and can be very independent and easily bored, so they need an outlet that can satisfy their natural curiosity.

Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and short-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program to develop the responsive and obedient breed that we have today. He did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a display dog, and he made sure that his dogs had stable temperaments with strong herding instincts and a solid body structure. He refused to breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with steep angles on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would impede the ability of the breed to perform its primary duties.

German Shepherds can also be susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer that affects the liver and spleen, organs with heightened blood supply. They also can develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.

To avoid these ailments ensure your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him proper diet and exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a secure area free of traffic and other hazards. Keep him clean by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis, using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove hairs that are loose. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for routine health checks.

Health

German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Both male and female dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of clotting blood.

GSDs are a working breed, and consequently, they are subject to intense training. This means that they can develop joint problems. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause lameness, pain, and other symptoms. It is not a major condition but can be painful for the dog.

Breeders who are trustworthy X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic background, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing the disorder are not bred.

Like most large breeds, German Shepherds may be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the joints. This condition is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months who are experiencing rapid growth.

These dogs need an diet rich in protein, and a generous blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to support a healthy skin and coat. They may benefit from joint-support in their diet like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should have moderate exercise like walking on a regular basis and, if they are compatible with another dog, playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.

Table food or bones from animals must be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages can benefit from a probiotic supplement to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid with breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

Training

German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the supervision of a knowledgeable handler. As such, reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund Kaufen they are a great choice for military and police tasks in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a wonderful pet, if properly trained and SchäFerhund BeschüTzerinstinkt socialized.

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

It requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods like physical and verbal punishment, as they can lead to 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. Exercises for mental stimulation are as essential for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have a busy household. This can help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by road noises or thunderstorms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds during competitions or schäFerhund beschützerinstinkt public events.

German Shepherds are at risk of various health issues, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments are preventable with responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle adjustments.

Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. When they are around children at a young age they can be incredibly friendly and gentle with smaller pets like cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when they are around children. If they aren't exposed enough to training and socialization, they may show 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 requires to be successful.