9 . What Your Parents Taught You About Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and agility. Their high trainability and the ability to protect make them loved family pets.

If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd, choose breeders who prioritize the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances can help you determine reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely loyal to their family members and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard says that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self-assured and brave. It must also be respectful 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 soft undercoat. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is long and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is in a relaxed state. The dog’s long neck, with a slight slope, entzüCkende schäferhund welpen is characteristic. 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 issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns, which hinder proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful but not overly exaggerated. The rear leg should not go ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves an imprint.

As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high-energy drives. These are the behaviors and desires that include territorial protection as well as hunting of prey. If these drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, for example playing or at work and it can lead to aggression. Show-type German Shepherds were developed to reduce these urges. However, they need lots of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balance life.

GSDs are usually cautious around strangers and could be initially suspicious of them. This protective trait makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to prevent overreactions. When properly socialized from a young age, they make wonderful pets for the family. They also make great kids.

The GSD is a resilient species to illness and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog’s exposure UV rays and ensuring that it receives regular vaccinations can help.

Temperament

German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also capable of being trained. They are a working breed that excel at a variety of tasks, including herding police work including search and rescue, bomb and drug detection and guiding blind. They are also excellent family pets. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal as well as the attention and focus of a shrewd owner to channel their strength and energy positively. They require plenty of exercise and space, and might not be suited for smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a firm and steady temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and they are sceptical of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can turn into aggression when they are not properly trained, socialized and managed. These dogs are very intelligent and can be very insecure and bored, and they require an outlet to satisfy their natural curiosity.

Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used longhaired and shorterhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created an animal that is receptive and obedient. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted to use German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure that his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding impulses, as well as a sound body structure. He did not breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with sharp angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to carry out its primary duties.

German Shepherds can also be susceptible to developing cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs that have a high blood supply. They also can develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.

To avoid these issues, you should maintain your German Shepherd’s physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. You should give plenty of time to play and run around in a safe area away from traffic. Keep him groomed by scrubbing his dense double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake to remove hairs that are loose. It is recommended that you visit your vet regularly for routine health checks.

Health

German Shepherds have a healthy health record, but health issues are present. They are susceptible to ear infections and can develop conditions that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. Female and male can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic condition that limits the ability of dogs to clot blood.

GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo strenuous training. In the process, they may develop joint issues. The most frequent is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of cartilage and joint which can cause discomfort, lameness, and other symptoms. This is not always a serious condition but it can be painful for the dog.

Breeders who are trustworthy are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, including the likelihood to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing dysplasia are not bred.

Like most large breeds, German Shepherds can be affected by panosteitis, which causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the legs. This condition is most common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are experiencing a large growth spurt.

The dogs need a diet high in protein and a large mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins for a healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from a diet that has joint support, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old 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 it can cause joint damage.

Feeding table food or animal bones should be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that help break down proteins. Vitamin and mineral supplements are not required, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should contain the right amount of these nutrients.

Training

German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable handler’s guidance. They are an excellent choice for military and police work in search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. But their dedication to their job makes them a great pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.

Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. Expose your puppy to a range of people and animals from an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel confident and comfortable in a new place and help them become comfortable with humans from a young age.

It takes patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling or physical punishment, which can lead to fear based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.

It is also important to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation can be equally important as physical exercise for a GSD, especially in a hectic or busy household. This will help them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or storms or other dogs in the park, or the crowds at competitions and public events.

German Shepherds are susceptible to various health issues that include hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these ailments are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.

German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. When they are around children as young as they can be incredibly tender and loving towards smaller animals like cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength but they should be watched when around young children. They could also display signs of a hereditary tendency toward aggression if they are not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class in the preschool or obedience to ensure that they are receiving the proper training and socialization they need to thrive.