The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Its high trainability and natural instincts to protect make them loved family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog select breeders who value the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances can help identify reputable breeders.Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful intelligent dogs that are trainable. They are incredibly affectionate to their families and can be fearless protectors of them. The breed standard states that the GSD should be self-confident, courageous, and have a calm and steady temperament. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.
The breed is medium-sized, slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness and a softer undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set obliquely. Its ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is laying down, the tail is big and swollen. It reaches below the hocks. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is strong.
In general the breed is healthy however, serious issues include roached backs and lengthy pasterns that hinder correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong however, they should not be overly exaggerated and the rear leg should never go forward of the point where the forefoot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drives. These are the behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and chasing of prey. If these drives aren't satisfied in some way through work or play, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are created to help reduce these impulses. However, they still require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep their lives in balance.
GSDs are generally shy around strangers and can be suspicious of them at first. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. When socialized properly early in life, they make wonderful pets for the family. They also make great children.
The GSD has an extremely high threshold for pain and is resistant to illness, but it has certain health conditions that may affect its quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders as well as immune-mediated diseases. 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 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 jobs, including herding, police work, search and rescue, detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind people. They are also great pets for families. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear purpose and the attention and focus of a shrewd owner to channel their strength and energy positively. They require plenty of space and exercise and might not be suitable for apartments or other living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a strong and steady temperament. They are loyal and alert, and are sceptical of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can escalate into aggression if not properly trained, socialized and controlled. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They must find an avenue to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds, in his breeding program to create the kind of dog that Was Kostet ein reinrassiger schäFerhund obedient and responsive that we have today. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted German Shepherds as a showpiece and made sure that his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding instincts, and an ideal 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 impede the ability of the breed to fulfill its primary duties.
German Shepherds are also prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the liver and spleen, organs with heightened blood supply. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a an appropriate diet and exercise. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outside, in a safe area free of traffic and other dangers. Regularly brush his double coat, using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. You should also bring him to the vet regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but health issues do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections, and they can develop eye conditions and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. Female and male can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects the ability of dogs to clot blood.
As a breed that is primarily used for work, many GSDs undergo strenuous training and they can suffer from joint issues as a consequence. A common one is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the cartilage and joint which can cause pain, lameness and other signs. It isn't always a serious issue, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy have their dogs X-rayed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, as well as the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high chance of developing the disorder are not breed.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can result in pain and stiffness. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing an increase in growth speed.
They require food that is high in protein, with a good mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins for skin and coat health. They will benefit from a diet with joint support, such as glucosamine or 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 a high speed, because this can damage their growing joints.
Foods that are table-based or contain animal bones must be avoided, as these can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages could benefit from a probiotic supplementation to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to assist with breaking down proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required in the sense that a well-formulated and approved AAFCO diet should supply the appropriate amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and highly trainable dogs that thrive when they're under the direction of a skilled handler. As such, they are an excellent choice for police and military tasks in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a great pet, provided they are well-socialized and properly trained.
The first step in establishing a well-adjusted GSD is socialization. From a young age expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take them on frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel secure and at ease in a new place and help them become comfortable with humans at an early age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is crucial to stay clear of negative reinforcement methods like shouting and physical punishment as 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. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to a GSD as physical exercise, particularly if you live in a busy household. This helps to keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to become distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms or other dogs in the park or the crowds at competitions and public events.
German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues such as hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs and intestinal tract), pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. They are usually affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are exposed to them from the age of. Their size and strength make them formidable guardians, and they should always be supervised around younger children. They may also show indications of a genetic predisposition toward aggression if they are not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure that they receive the education and socialization they require to thrive.
