5 Laws That Will Help The Purebred German Shepherd Dog Industry

The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD embodies the ideal balance of strength and agility. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them beloved family dogs.

When shopping for a purebred german shepherd Find breeders that practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their animals. Requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances can help you identify reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are loyal to their family and can be fierce guardians. The breed standard states that the GSD must be steady of temperament, self assured and brave. It should also be able to be handled and willing to be a pleasure to.

The breed is medium in size with a slight elongation and is muscular. It has a double coat made up of an outer layer of hardness, and a soft undercoat. The eyes are dark, almond-shaped, deutsche schäferhundwelpen and set in a oblique manner. The ears are large at the base and pointed. When the dog is lying down, the tail is big and swollen. It reaches below the hocks. The breed’s neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is large 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 long pasterns that interfere with correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point where the foot leaves a mark.

As working dogs As working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). If these high drives are not satisfied in some way, such as through play or work or playing, it can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that helps dampen these drives but they require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live a healthy lifestyle.

GSDs are generally shy and cautious towards strangers at first. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized early in life, they make wonderful family pets. They’re also great with kids.

The GSD is a resilient species to disease and has a very high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can impact the quality of its life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. Taking precautions such as limiting the dog’s exposure UV rays and ensuring that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will lower the risk of developing these diseases.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn, and highly capable of being trained. They are a working breed that excel in a variety of tasks, including herding police work such as search and rescue bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. They are also excellent family pets. However, this strong and confident breed requires a clear sense of purpose and the attention of an assertive owner to use their strength and energy in a positive manner. They require lots of space and exercise, and might not be suited to smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is balanced and confident, with a firm and stable temperament. They are loyal and vigilant, and are sceptical of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior could turn into aggression. These dogs can be intelligent and independent, but they can also be bored. They need to find a way to satisfy their natural curiosity.

The founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and short-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program to create the obedient and responsive breed that we see today. He did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece and he ensured that his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and sound body structure. He also refused to breed with dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had sharp angles in their croups, as well as rear and front pasterns as he believed these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its traditional work.

In addition to the hereditary diseases that affect every breed of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma, which typically affects blood-rich organs like the liver and spleen. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.

You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. It is important to give him ample time to run and play in a secure area free of traffic. Keep him looking neat by scrubbing his dense double coat on a regular basis and using a de-shedding device or a rake undercoat to remove hairs that are loose. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for regular health check-ups.

Health

German Shepherds have a healthy health history, however some health problems do exist. They are prone to ear infections and can develop eye conditions and ears, including degenerative myelopathy. They may also be affected by an inherited disease called von Willebrand’s disease that is hereditary which affects their ability to clot blood. It is found in females and males dogs.

As a working breed, GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training and they can suffer from joint issues as a consequence. The most frequent is hip dysplasia. It is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of the joint and cartilage that can result in discomfort, lameness and other signs. It is not a major condition, but it can be painful for the dog.

Breeders who are reputable X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays can help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic background, including the likelihood that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs at high risk of developing dysplasia do not bred.

Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can lead to pain and stiffness. This condition is most frequent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are going through the midst of a massive growth spurt.

These dogs need food that is rich in protein, with a large amount of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain healthy coat and skin. They will benefit from a diet with joints-supporting ingredients, such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs who are less than 18 months should be given moderate exercise, such as walking and playing with a different dog, if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed because this can damage their growing joints.

Feeding table food or bones from animals must be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages may benefit from a probiotic supplementation to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to aid in the breakdown of proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.

Training

German Shepherds are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that thrive under the guidance by a knowledgeable handler. They are therefore a good choice for military, police search and rescue, and therapy dog roles. However, their dedication to their job makes them a wonderful pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.

The first step in establishing an equidistant GSD is socialization. As a puppy, expose your puppy to different people and animals. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will help them feel more secure and confident and help them trust people from an early age.

Training a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Avoid negative reinforcement methods such as yelling, or physical punishment that could lead to fear based aggression. Use clicker training or rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.

Daily enrichment is crucial for your German Shepherd. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important to an GSD as physical exercise, particularly when you have an area with a lot of activity. This helps them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by road noises or storms, other dogs at the park, or crowds at competitions and other public events.

German Shepherds are prone to various health issues, including hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) and pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases are preventable with responsible breeding practices and proper lifestyle choices.

German Shepherds are loving family dogs, despite their reputation as a feared breed. They are often loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, when exposed to them at a young age. However, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be watched over children younger than them. If they are not exposed enough to socialization and training, they may show signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he needs to thrive.