The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect blend of speed and strength. Its training capabilities are high and its natural instincts to protect make them beloved family dogs.

If you are looking for purebred german shepherd dogs, look for breeders who have a commitment to ethical breeding and who are concerned about the health of their animals. You can find trustworthy breeders by requesting pedigree papers and prior health clearances.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are intelligent, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are incredibly loyal to their families and are fearless guardians of them. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have a calm and steady temperament. It must 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 distinct double coat made up of a hard outer layer and an undercoat that is soft. Its eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and positioned in a oblique manner. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is slender and extends to the hocks below when the dog is lying down. The breed's long neck with a slightly sloping slope is distinctive. 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 as well as long pasterns that hinder proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point where the foot leaves a mark.

As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protection and hunting prey). If these high-drives are not satisfied in a certain way, for example through play or work and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds have been created to help reduce these drives. However, they require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise and mental stimulation to keep a balanced life.

GSDs are typically cautious around strangers and could be initially suspicious of them. This is a characteristic that makes them excellent guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized early in life they can be wonderful family pets. They're also great with kids.

The GSD has a high pain threshold and is resilient against illnesses, but it is also susceptible to certain health conditions that may impact its quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures, bleeding disorders, and immune-mediated diseases. The best way to prevent these diseases is to limit your dog's exposure to UV radiation, and ensuring you get regular vaccinations will aid.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and deutsche schäferhunde SchäFerhund Welpen österreich kaufen because they can cause vomiting, digestive upset, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adult dogs could benefit from a probiotic supplement to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements that 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 highly trainable and biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable trainer's guidance. As such, they are a great choice for police and military tasks, search and deutsche schäferhunde kaufen rescue and therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their unwavering loyalty also makes them a wonderful pet for the family when properly trained and socialized.

The first step to raising a well-adjusted GSD is socialization. Expose your puppy to a variety of people and other animals at an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games and going to local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new setting and will help them become comfortable with humans from an early age.

It takes patience, consistency as well as positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. It is crucial to stay clear of negative reinforcement methods, such as shouting and physical punishment as they can trigger fear-based aggression. Instead, you should use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.

It is also essential to give your German Shepherd with daily enrichment. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly if you live in an area with a lot of activity. This will help them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by road sounds 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 lung, lungs, and the intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments can be prevented through responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.

Despite their fearsome reputation, German Shepherds make devoted family pets. They are often affectionate with children and gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, if they are exposed to them from a young age. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when they are around young children. If they aren't 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 that they are receiving the proper training and socialization they need to thrive.