The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD represents the perfect combination of strength and agility. Its high trainability and natural instincts to protect make them loved family dogs.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd dog, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. You can determine trustworthy breeders by requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely loyal to their family members and can be fearless protectors of them. Breed standard states the GSD must be confident, courageous, and have an unwavering temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
schäferhund beschützerinstinkt is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly extended. It has a distinct double coat made up of a hard outer layer and an undercoat that is soft. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. The ears are large at the base and pointed. The tail is slender and reaches to below the hocks when the dog is at rest. The breed's long neck, with a slight slope, is distinctive. 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, which hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong however, they should not be overly exaggerated. The rear leg should never pass ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs As working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protection and chasing prey). If these drives aren't fulfilled through play or work, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that helps dampen these drives but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to live an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs are generally shy around strangers and can be initially suspicious of them. This trait of protection makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized early in life, they make wonderful pets for the family. They're also great with children.
The GSD is a resilient species to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can impact the quality of its life. These include seizures, epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. Making sure to limit the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and ensuring that it receives routine vaccinations should lower the chance of developing these conditions.
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 such as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection and guiding blind. They are also excellent family members. This strong and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal as well as the attention and focus of a responsible owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive way. They require a lot of space and exercise, and may not be suitable for apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a firm temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. This watchful and protective behaviour can become aggressive when not properly trained, socialized and controlled. These dogs are very smart and can be insecure and bored, which is why they require a good outlet for their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created a breed that is responsive and well-behaved. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and ensured that his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding impulses, as well as solid body structure. He also refused to breed certain dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had sharp angles in their croups as well as front and rear pasterns, because he believed that these characteristics could hamper the breed's ability to perform its traditional work.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the spleen and liver, organs with heightened blood supply. They may also develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a proper diet and exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to run and play outside in a secure area away from traffic and other dangers. Keep him groomed by brushing his thick double coat regularly, using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove loose hairs. Also, make sure that you take him to the veterinarian regularly for routine health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health record, but health issues do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections, and may develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from an illness that is genetic, known as von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary that affects their capacity to clot blood, and is found in females and males dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they go through intense training. In the process, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause pain, lameness and other symptoms. It's not a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders with a good reputation X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, as well as how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high likelihood of developing the disorder aren't breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. The condition is especially common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.
They require an enriched diet rich in protein and a large mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from joint support in their food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months age should exercise moderately, such as multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog playing together, but should not run at full speed as this could cause damage to joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding table food or animal bone, as they can cause vomiting, digestive upsets, anorexia and pancreatitis. Adult dogs and puppies may benefit from a probiotic supplementation to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid with breaking down proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements aren't necessary, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, highly trainable dogs who thrive when they're under the direction of a knowledgeable handler. They are therefore a good option for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their dedication to their job makes them a wonderful family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in creating a well-adjusted GSD. As a puppy expose your puppy to different people and animals. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more confident and comfortable and teach them to trust people from a young age.
Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling or physical punishment, which can lead to fear based aggression. Instead, you should use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
It is also crucial to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation can be just as important as physical exercises for an GSD especially in a hectic or busy household. This helps them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or thunderstorms, other dogs at the park, or the crowds at competitions or public events.
Some of the health issues that are exclusive to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle adjustments.
Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are devoted family pets. They are generally loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them from a young age. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength but they should be watched when they are around children. They could also exhibit signs of a hereditary tendency toward aggression if they are not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they are receiving the proper training and socialization they require to thrive.