The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD embodies the ideal balance of strength and agility. Its high trainability and natural instincts to protect make them cherished family dogs.
When shopping for a purebred german shepherd dog, look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances can help determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are incredibly loyal to their families and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard says that the GSD must be a steady temperament, confident and brave. It must also be respectful and willing to be obedient.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly extended. It has a distinctive double coat, which is comprised of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. The ears are large at the base and pointed. The tail is bushy and reaches to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The breed's long neck, with a slight slope, is a characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The spine is strong and the ribs are well-sprung.
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 so. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high drive. These are the behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these high drives are not satisfied in a certain way, for example through play or work or playing, it can result in aggression. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that helps dampen these drives however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs are generally reserved and suspicious towards strangers initially. This makes them great guard dogs. It requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They make wonderful family pets when they are socialized properly from a young age, and are generally good with children.
The GSD is resistant to illness and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation and making sure it is vaccinated regularly can help.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn and highly trainable. They are a working dog breed that excels at a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and helping blind people. They are also great pets for families. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear purpose and the focus and attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They need a lot of exercise and space, and may not be a good fit in apartments or smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a firm and steady temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can escalate into aggression when not properly trained, socialized, and managed. These dogs are very intelligent and can be very insecure and bored, and they require an outlet to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is friendly and respectful. Max von Stephanitz was not one of those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and made sure his dogs were calm, had strong herding instincts, and a sound body structure. He refused to breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with sharp angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to fulfill its primary duties.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that affect every breed of dog German Shepherds are also prone to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. They can also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. Make sure that he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outside, in a safe area away from traffic and other hazards. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat, using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also recommended to bring him to the vet 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 they can develop ailments that affect their eyes and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. They also may suffer from a genetic disease known as von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary that affects their capacity to clot blood. It is found in both male and female dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and consequently, they are subject to strenuous training. This means that they may develop joint issues. A common one is hip dysplasia, characterized by improper growth and development of the joint and cartilage which can cause lameness, pain and other signs. This is not always a serious problem, but it can cause pain for dogs.
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, as well as the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high chance of developing the disorder aren't breeding.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds also be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, which causes stiffness and pain in the legs. This condition is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
These dogs 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 are able to benefit from a diet with joint support, like glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should exercise moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if they are compatible with other dogs playing together, but should not be allowed to run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Feeding table food or animal bones should be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion and digestive enzyme supplements that help break down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled guide's supervision. As such, they are an excellent choice for police and military tasks such as search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their constant loyalty makes them a wonderful pet, provided they are properly socialized and trained.
The first step in raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. Expose your puppy to a range of people and animals at an early age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games and going to local dog parks. This will make them feel more secure and confident and will teach them to trust people at an early age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is crucial to stay clear of negative reinforcement methods, such as yelling and physical punishment because they can cause fear-based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to the GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have a household with lots of people. This will help to keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by street noises storms or other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events and other public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues that include hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs and the intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their reputation for being a savage breed German Shepherds are devoted family pets. They are generally affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, when they are exposed to them from the age of. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be watched over children younger than them. They may also show indications of a genetic tendency towards aggression if not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure that they are receiving the proper training and socialization they require to flourish.