A Provocative Rant About Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD represents the perfect balance of agility and strength. Their high trainability and protection instincts make them beloved pets for families.
If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. You can identify reliable breeders by asking for pedigree documents and prior health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful intelligent dogs that are highly capable of being trained. They are loyal to their family and can be fearless guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self-assured and courageous. It must also be respectful and willing to please.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly elongated. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of an outer layer of hardness and a soft undercoat. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. The tail is bushy and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is lying down. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is solid and the ribs are well-sprung.
In general the breed is healthy however, serious issues include roached backs and lengthy pasterns that hinder correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never go beyond the point where the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs As working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled in some way through play or work and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner which helps to reduce these drives however they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs tend to be shy and cautious towards strangers at first. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs. It requires the right training to avoid triggering reactions. When socialized properly at a young age they can make great pets for the family. They are also great with kids.
The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is able to fight off illness, but it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that can affect its quality of living. This includes seizures and epilepsy, as well as bleeding disorders. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure to harsh UV rays and making sure that it is regularly vaccinated will help reduce the risk of these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also highly trainable. They are a working breed that excel in a variety tasks, such as herding, police work such as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection and guiding blind people. They are also excellent family members. This strong 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 in a positive way. They require lots of space and exercise and might not be suited to apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and steady temperament. They are loyal and alert and they are sceptical of strangers. This watchful and protective behavior can turn into aggression when they are not properly trained, socialized and managed. These dogs can be intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They must find a way to satisfy their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, employed shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in an animal that is friendly and well-behaved. He was kostet ein reinrassiger schäferhund opposed to those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece, and he ensured that his dogs were stable in their temperaments, strong herding instincts, and a sound body structure. He even resisted breeding with dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had sharp angles in their croups as well as front and rear pasterns since he believed that these traits would undermine the breed's ability to do its job as it is.
In addition to the hereditary ailments that can affect any breed of dog, German Shepherds are prone to cancers, such as hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.
To prevent these conditions ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a an appropriate diet and deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen exercise. You should allow him plenty of time to play and run around in a safe area free of traffic. Keep him groomed by brushing his dense double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or an undercoat rake to get rid of loose hairs. You should also take him to your veterinarian regularly for regular health check-ups.
Health
German Shepherds have a healthy health record, but some health issues are present. They are prone to ear infections and can develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. Both female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects their ability to clot the blood.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they go through strenuous training. In the process, they may develop joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that can cause pain, lameness and other symptoms. It isn't always a serious problem, but it can be painful for the dog.
Breeders with a good reputation have their dogs X-rayed and use the results for breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, which includes the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia do not breeding.
Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can result in pain and stiffness. This is more prevalent in German Shepherd puppies or dogs younger than 18 months old who are experiencing rapid growth.
They require food that is high in protein, with a good mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins for a healthy coat and skin. They may benefit from joint-support in their food, deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund zu verkaufen (official site) such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of 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 this could cause damage to joints that are growing.
Avoid feeding animal bone or table food as they can trigger vomiting, digestive upsets, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs may benefit from a probiotic supplementation to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid with breaking down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should contain the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled guide's supervision. They are a great choice for military, police search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a great pet, if they are properly socialized and trained.
The first step in raising a well-adjusted GSD is socialization. Expose your puppy to a variety of people and animals from an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and teach them to trust people from a young age.
It requires patience, perseverance as well as positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment that could result in fear-based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
Daily enrichment is important for your German Shepherd. The stimulation of the mind is just as important as physical exercises for a GSD especially in a hectic or busy household. This helps them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by road noises or storms as well as other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and public events.
Certain health conditions that are specific to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases can be prevented by implementing responsible breeding practices and the right lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their infamous reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. When they are exposed to children as young as they can be incredibly tender and deutscher schäferhund Kaufen österreich, Dobson-leon.technetbloggers.de, loving towards smaller pets such as cats. Their size and strength make them excellent guardians and they should be supervised around younger children. If they are not sufficiently exposed to socialization and training they could show signs of aggression. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy preschool or obedience classes to ensure they receive the training and socialization they require to flourish.