The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect combination of speed and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them cherished family dogs.
When looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. You can determine reputable breeders by requesting documents on pedigrees and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful intelligent dogs that are highly capable of training. They are loyal to their families and are able to be fearless guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be confident and courageous. They should also have an unwavering temperament. It must also be able to be handled and willing to please.
The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat made up of a hard outer layer as well as an undercoat that is soft. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is slender and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is at rest. The dog's long neck, with a slight slope, is a characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
In general the breed is sound, but serious faults include roached backs as well as long pasterns that hinder proper movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not exaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point where the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high-energy drives. These are behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as the pursuit of prey. If these high-drives are not satisfied in some way, for example playing or at work, it can lead aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that helps dampen these drives however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to maintain a balanced life.
GSDs tend to be reserved and suspicious towards strangers initially. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized from a young age, they make wonderful pets for the family. They also make great children.
The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resilient against illness, however it is also susceptible to certain health issues that could impact its quality of life. Learn Additional Here include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV radiation and making sure it is vaccinated regularly can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are an active dog breed that excels in a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at bomb and drug detection and guiding blind people. They also make great family members. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to use their strength and energy positively. They require plenty of exercise and room, and might not be suited in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong temperament. They are loyal, alert, and suspicious of strangers. This protective and watchful behavior can escalate into aggression if not properly trained, socialized and managed. Dogs with these traits can be smart and independent, but they can also be bored. They need to find ways to satisfy their curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in a breed that is responsive and obedient. He was opposed to those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece and he made sure that his dogs were stable in their temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a solid body structure. He did not breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with a steep angle on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would impede the ability of the breed to fulfill its usual tasks.
In addition to the hereditary disorders that affect every dog breed German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. They can also develop bone, lung, 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 gets plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors, in a safe area away from traffic and other hazards. Keep him groomed by brushing his dense double coat on a regular basis, using a de-shedding tool or a rake undercoat to remove loose hairs. You should also take him to your veterinarian regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a great health history, however some health problems do exist. They are prone to ear infections and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes such as degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders their ability to clot the blood.
As a working breed, GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training, and they can suffer from joint issues as a result. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other signs. This is not always a serious issue however 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 can help determine the health of the puppy as well as its genetic background, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia are not breeding.
Like many large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis, which causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the legs. Recommended Reading is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
These dogs need a diet that is high in protein, with a generous blend of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. They can benefit from joint support in their food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should exercise moderately like walking on a regular basis and, if compatible with another dog, playing together, but they should not run at a high speed, as it can cause joint damage.
Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals should be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Adults and puppies can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, highly trainable dogs who thrive when they're under the guidance of a skilled handler. They are therefore a good option for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a great pet, provided they are well-socialized and properly trained.
Socialization is the first step towards raising a well-adjusted GSD. As a puppy, expose your puppy to various animals and people. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel comfortable and secure in a new environment and will help them develop trust in humans from a young age.
It requires patience, consistency, as well as positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement like yelling or physical punishment, which can result in fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. Exercises for mental stimulation can be equally important as physical exercise for the GSD especially in a chaotic or busy household. This helps to keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to become distracted by street noises or thunderstorms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at competitions and other public events.
German Shepherds are prone to various health issues that include Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. When they are around children from a young age they can be tender and loving towards smaller animals like cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength, but they should be watched when they are around young children. If they are not exposed enough to socialization and training and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he requires to thrive.