20 Important Questions To To Ask About Purebred German Shepherd Dog Before You Decide To Purchase It
The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD embodies the ideal balance of agility and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd select breeders who value the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. You can find trustworthy breeders by requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their families and can be a formidable guardian. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, confident, and courageous. It should also be able to be handled and willing to please.
The breed is muscular, medium-sized, and slightly extended. It has a double coat that consists of a hard outer layer, and a softer undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and slightly set. The ears are large at the base and pointed. The tail is slender and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is at rest. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is solid.
The breed is generally sound however it is prone to serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns that interfere with the correct movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not exaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves a mark.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally have high drives. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection as well as the pursuit of prey. If these drives aren't fulfilled in some way through play or work this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that can help reduce these urges however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs tend to be reserved and suspicious towards strangers initially. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs and requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. They are great family pets when socialized properly at a young age and they're typically great with children.
The GSD is a resilient species to illness and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can negatively impact the quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog's exposure UV rays, and ensuring it is regularly vaccinated will lower the chance of developing these conditions.
belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich are smart and eager to learn. They are also capable of training. They are an active breed that excels at a variety of jobs, such as police work, herding, and search and rescue. They also excel at the detection of drugs and bombs, as well as aiding blind people. They also make excellent family pets. This powerful and confident breed requires a clear purpose and the attention and focus of a responsible owner to channel their strength and energy in a positive way. They require a lot of exercise and space, and may not be suitable in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert, and they are sceptical of strangers. This watchful and protective behavior can escalate into aggression when not properly trained, socialized and managed. They are extremely smart and can be independent and easily bored, and they require an outlet to satisfy their curiosity.
Founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds in his breeding program to develop the obedient and responsive breed that we see today. He was opposed to those who believed that German Shepherds should be a display dog, and he made sure his dogs were stable in their temperaments and strong herding instincts and a solid body structure. He did not breed dogs with unstable temperaments, or with steep angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to perform its traditional tasks.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that affect every dog breed, German Shepherds are prone to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the spleen and liver. They can also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.
You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical well-being of your German Shepherd. This means providing him with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to run and play outdoors in a secure area free of traffic and other dangers. Keep him groomed by brushing his thick double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake to get rid of loose hairs. It is also recommended to take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health history, however some health problems do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections, and they can develop eye conditions and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Both 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, GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training and they can suffer from joint issues as a consequence. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by improper growth and development of the joint and cartilage that can result in discomfort, lameness and other signs. It's not a serious condition but can be painful for the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and take the results into consideration when making breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic background of the puppy, including how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs at high chance of developing the disorder are not breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in pain and stiffness. This condition is more common in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing a rapid growth spurt.
These dogs require a diet high in protein, with a good mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from joint support in their food including glucosamine as well as chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should be exercising moderately including multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog playing together, but should not be allowed to run at full speed, as this can damage growing joints.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food, as they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs could benefit by a probiotic supplementation program to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements aren't necessary, as a well-formulated AAFCO-approved diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable and biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable handler's guidance. As such, they are an excellent choice for police and military work in search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specialized jobs. Their unwavering loyalty makes them an excellent pet, if they are properly trained and socialized.
The first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and other animals from an early age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games and going to local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and will teach them to trust people at an early age.
Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment, which could lead to fear based aggression. Instead, use rewards-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.
Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important to a GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of an area with a lot of activity. This can help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or thunderstorms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions such as Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs and the intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle adjustments.
German Shepherds are loyal family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. They are usually friendly with children and gentle with smaller pets, like cats, if they are exposed to them at an early age. Nonetheless, their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be observed around children who are younger. They could also display signs of a hereditary tendency toward aggression if they are not provided with appropriate training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he is getting the education and socialization he requires to flourish.