The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Their ability to train and their protective instincts make these dogs beloved pets for families.

If you are looking for purebred german shepherd dogs, look for breeders who adhere to ethical breeding practices and are committed to the health of their dogs. Requesting pedigree papers as well as previous health clearances can help you find reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are powerful intelligent dogs that are highly trainable. They are extremely loyal to their family members and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, confident and brave. It must also be tractable and willing to be a pleasure to.

The breed is medium-sized with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a distinctive double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. When the dog is lying down on its back, the tail becomes large and bushy. It extends below the hocks. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.

In general the breed is healthy However, it has some serious flaws. These include roached backs and lengthy pasterns that interfere with correct movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful but not overly exaggerated. The rear leg should never pass in the direction of where the forefoot leaves a footprint.

As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high drives. These are the behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these high-drives aren't fulfilled through work or play, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds have been bred to help dampen these impulses. However, they require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balance life.

GSDs are typically shy around strangers and can be initially suspicious of them. This makes them great guard dogs. It requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized at a young age they can make great pets for families. They are also great with children.

The GSD is resistant to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of its life. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. To prevent these conditions, limiting your dog's exposure to UV rays, and ensuring it is vaccinated regularly can aid.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are an active breed that excels at a variety of tasks, including police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at detection of explosives and drugs, and aiding blind people. They also make excellent pets for families. However, this strong and confident breed requires an unwavering sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energic. Regularly brush your double coat, using tools for deshedding 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 healthy health record, but health problems do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections and may develop eye conditions and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. They may also suffer from an illness that is genetic, known as hereditary von Willebrand's disease which affects their ability to clot blood. It is present in both male and female dogs.

GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo strenuous training. In the process, they are prone to developing joint issues. The most frequent is hip dysplasia. It is characterized by improper growth and development of cartilage and joint which can cause lameness, SchäFerhund Baby Kaufen pain, and other symptoms. It's not a serious condition, but it can be painful for the dog.

A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, including the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia do not breeding.

Like many large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to expand rapidly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the limbs. This is more prevalent 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, and an abundance of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to support the health of their coat and skin. They will benefit from joint support in their food including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise, schäferhund baby kaufen such as walking or playing with a dog if they're compatible. However it is not recommended to run at a high speed, since this could cause damage to the joints they are developing.

Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food as they can trigger digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit from a probiotic supplementation to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid in breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, SchäFerhund baby kaufen highly trainable dogs who thrive when they're under the direction of a skilled handler. They are therefore a good choice for blaue schäferhunde police, military search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their constant loyalty makes them an excellent pet, provided they are properly socialized and trained.

Socialization is the first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD. From an early age expose your puppy various animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel secure and at ease in a new setting and ensure that they develop trust in humans from an early age.

Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling and physical punishment because they can cause fear-based aggression. Instead, you should use reward-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 just as important as physical exercises for a GSD especially in a hectic or busy household. This can help them keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to get distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events or public events.

Some health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the bones lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases are preventable with responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle accommodations.

Despite their infamous reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are usually loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them from a young age. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when they are around children. If they aren't sufficiently exposed to training and socialization 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 gets the training and socialization that he needs to thrive.