The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD represents the perfect combination of strength and agility. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them cherished family dogs.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. You can identify trustworthy breeders by requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are incredibly affectionate to their families and can be fearless protectors of them. Breed standard states the GSD must be confident, courageous, and have an unwavering temperament. It must also be tractable and willing to please.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly extended. It has a double coat made up of a hard outer layer, and a softer undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set obliquely. Its ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is long and reaches to below the hocks when the dog is lying down. The long neck, with a slight slope, is distinctive. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, and the spine is strong.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful, but not excessively exaggerated and the rear leg should never pass in the direction of where the forefoot leaves a footprint.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires towards things like territorial protection and hunting prey). If these high drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, for example through play or work, it can lead aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner which helps to reduce these drives but they require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
GSDs are typically shy around strangers and can be cautious at first. This protective trait makes GSDs excellent guard dogs, however it requires proper training to prevent overreactions. If properly socialized from a young age they can make great family pets. They also make great children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resistant to illness, but it has certain health conditions that may impact its quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and ensuring that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will reduce the risk of developing these diseases.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and highly trainable. They are a working breed and excel at a variety of tasks, including herding police work, search and rescue detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind people. They also make excellent family pets. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear purpose as well as the attention and focus of a shrewd owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require plenty 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, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior can become aggression. These dogs can be intelligent, independent and easily bored. They need to find an avenue to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is receptive and well-behaved. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and made sure his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding impulses, as well as an ideal body structure. He refused to breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with a steep angle on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to fulfill its usual tasks.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can plague any dog breed, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a safe space away from traffic and other dangers. Keep him groomed by brushing his dense double coat regularly and using a de-shedding device or undercoat rake to remove loose hairs. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, however they do have certain health issues. They are susceptible to ear infections, and they can develop ailments that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from an inherited disease called hereditary von Willebrand's disease that affects their capacity to clot blood, and is found in both female and male dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they undergo strenuous training. This means that they can develop joint problems. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other symptoms. This is not always a serious problem however it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are trustworthy have their dogs X-rayed and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds can suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the legs. This condition is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing rapid growth.
These dogs require a diet high in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to ensure a healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from a diet with joint support, like the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs under the age of 18 months should get moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with another dog, if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed, since this could cause damage to their growing joints.
Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food because they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion and digestive enzyme supplements that help break down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable and biddable dogs who thrive under a skilled handler's guidance. As such, they are ideal for police and military tasks, search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their constant loyalty makes them a great pet, provided they are well-socialized and properly trained.
Socialization is the first step towards creating a well-adjusted GSD. Expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals at an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games and even visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel comfortable and secure in a new setting and will help them develop trust in humans from an early age.
It takes patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling and physical punishment because they can trigger fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential 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 them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by street sounds or storms, other dogs at the park, or crowds during competitions and public events.
schäferhund beschützerinstinkt of the health issues that are unique to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments are preventable with responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle accommodations.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. They are often affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are they are exposed to them from an early age. Their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be observed around children who are younger. If they aren't exposed enough to socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he requires to thrive.