The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of strength and agility. Their ability to train and their the ability to protect make them loved family pets.
When you are shopping for a purebred german king shepherd kaufen dog Find breeders that have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances will help you identify reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their family and can be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that a GSD should be self-confident, courageous, and have an unwavering temperament. It must also be obedient and willing to please.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat that consists of a hard outer layer, and a softer undercoat. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. Its ears are pointed and wide at the base. When the dog is resting, 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 spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound, but it has serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder the proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should never go beyond the point at which the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high-energy drives. These are the behaviors and desires that include territorial protection and the pursuit of prey. If these high-drives aren't fulfilled in some way through work or play this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner which helps to reduce these drives however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs are generally cautious and suspicious of strangers initially. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. They are wonderful pets for families when socialized properly from a young age and they're typically great with children.
The GSD has an extremely high threshold for pain and is resistant to illness, however it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that can impact its quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure UV rays, and ensuring it is regularly vaccinated will reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of training. They are an active breed that excels at many tasks, including police work, herding and search and rescue. They also excel in detection of explosives and drugs, and helping blind people. They are also great pets for families. However, this powerful and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of an assertive owner to channel their energy and strength in a positive way. They require lots of space and exercise and might not be suited to apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and steady temperament. They are loyal, alert, and suspicious of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior could turn into aggressive. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, yet easily bored. They need to find ways to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to an animal that is friendly and obedient. Max von Stephanitz was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund not one of those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments, strong herding instincts, and an ideal body structure. He even resisted breeding some of his dogs who had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups, as well as front and rear pasterns because he believed that these characteristics would undermine the breed's ability to perform its work.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that affect every dog breed German Shepherds are also prone to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the spleen and liver. They may also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these ailments, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical well-being by feeding him an appropriate diet and exercise. You should allow him plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a safe area free of traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat, using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. 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 some health issues are present. They are prone to ear infections and can develop eye conditions and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. They may also suffer from an illness that is genetic, known as hereditary von Willebrand's disorder, which impacts their ability to clot blood, and is present in both male and female dogs.
As a breed that is primarily used for work, GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training and they can suffer from joint issues as a consequence. A common one is hip dysplasia. It is characterized by a lack of growth and development of the cartilage and joint, leading to lameness, pain, and other symptoms. It's not a serious condition, schäferhundwelpen deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich (via Barbecuejunction) but it can be painful to the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, including the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breeding.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the joints. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing rapid growth.
These dogs need food that is rich in protein, with a large amount of omega fatty acids as well as balanced vitamins to support healthy coat and skin. These dogs will benefit from a diet with joint support, like chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs who are less than 18 months must be given moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with another dog if they're compatible. However, they should not run at full speed as this could damage the joints they are developing.
Feeding table food or animal bones should be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled trainer's guidance. They are a great choice for police and military work, search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. However, their dedication to their job makes them a great family pet when properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step in raising a well adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and other animals from a young age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games, and visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new environment and help them become comfortable with humans from an early age.
Training 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 lead to fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises can be just as important as physical exercises for a GSD, especially in a busy or chaotic household. This will help to keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to get distracted by street noises or thunderstorms, other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events or public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are devoted family dogs, despite their reputation for being feared. When they are around children from a young age, they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets like cats. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be supervised around younger children. They may also show signs of a hereditary tendency to aggression if not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he needs to flourish.