The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect balance of strength and agility. Their ability to train and their protective instincts make these dogs cherished family pets.

If you are looking for schäFerhund welpen österreich kaufen 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 prior health clearances can help you determine reputable breeders.

Characteristics

German Shepherds are smart, powerful dogs that are easy to train. They are incredibly loyal to their family members and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be stable of temperament, self-assured and courageous. It must also be tractable and willing to please.

The breed is medium-sized, slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinctive double coat, which is comprised of an outer layer of hardness and an undercoat that is soft. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and slightly set. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is long and reaches to the hocks below when the dog is in a relaxed state. The breed's long neck, with a slight slope, is a characteristic. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is firm.

In general, the breed is sound, but serious faults include roached backs as well as long pasterns that hinder proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful however, they should not be overly exaggerated. The rear leg should never go ahead of the point at which the forefoot makes an impression.

As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has naturally high drives (behavioral propensities and desires toward things like territorial protectiveness and chasing prey). If these drives are not satisfied in some way, for example through work or playing and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that can help reduce these urges however they still require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

GSDs are usually shy around strangers and can be cautious at first. This trait of protection makes them excellent guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They are great family pets when they are socialized properly from a young age and they're typically great with children.

The GSD is a resilient species to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can negatively impact the quality of its life. These include epilepsy/seizures as well as 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 that it receives regular vaccinations can aid.

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and extremely trainable. They are an active dog breed that excels at a variety of jobs, such as herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel in detection of explosives and drugs, and aiding blind people. They also make excellent pets for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear goal and the attention and focus of a responsible owner to harness their energy and strength positively. They require plenty of space and exercise and may not be suitable for smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a strong and steady temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior can turn into aggressive. These dogs are very intelligent and can be independent and easily bored, so they need an outlet that can satisfy their curiosity.

The founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds in his breeding program to create the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we know today. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He ensured that his dogs were calm, had strong herding impulses, as well as solid body structure. He refused to breed dogs with temperaments that were unstable, or with a steep angle on their croups, or front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would hinder the ability of the breed to fulfill its primary duties.

In addition to the hereditary diseases that can affect any breed of dog German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers, including hemangiosarcoma, which most commonly affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and SchäFerhund welpen kaufen schweiz spleen. They may also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers.

To prevent these conditions, you should maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with the right diet and exercise. You should give plenty of time to play and run around in a safe place away from traffic. Regularly brush your double coat, using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. It is also important to ensure that you take him to the veterinarian on a regular basis to have regular health check-ups.

Health

German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections and can develop eye conditions and SchäFerhund Kaufen öSterreich ears, SchäFerhund Welpe Kaufen such as degenerative myelopathy. Both female and male dogs are susceptible to suffering from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that affects the ability of dogs to clot blood.

GSDs are a working breed, and as such, they undergo intense training. As a result, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that can cause lameness, pain and other symptoms. This is not a serious condition, but it can be painful to the dog.

Breeders who are reputable are able to X-ray their dogs and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, including how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high risk of developing the disorder aren't breed.

Like most large breeds, German Shepherds also suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing pain and stiffness in the limbs. This condition is most common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are going through a large growth spurt.

The dogs need an enriched diet rich in protein and a large mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to ensure a healthy coat and skin. These dogs will benefit from a diet with joints-supporting ingredients, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should be exercising moderately, such as multiple walks and, if they are compatible with another dog playing together, but should not run at a high speed, as this can damage growing joints.

Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals should be avoided because they can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements to help break down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.

Training

German Shepherds are smart high-trained dogs who thrive when they're under the supervision of a knowledgeable handler. As such, they are ideal for police and military work, search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. Their constant loyalty makes them an excellent pet, provided they are well-socialized and properly trained.

The first step to raising an appropriately adjusted GSD is socialization. From a young age expose your puppy different people and animals. Take your dog for walks frequently and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel more secure and confident and will teach them to trust people from a young age.

It takes patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling or physical punishment, which could result in fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for reward-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands.

Daily enrichment is essential for your German Shepherd. The stimulation of the mind is just as important as physical exercises for an GSD especially in a chaotic or busy household. This can help them stay focused and less likely to be distracted by street sounds or storms or other dogs in the park, or crowds at competitions or public events.

German Shepherds are prone to various health issues that include Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs, and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.

Despite their fearsome reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. They are generally loved by children and are gentle with smaller pets, such as cats, when they are exposed to them from an early age. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength but they should be watched when they are around young children. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic predisposition toward aggression if they are not exposed to appropriate training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended to enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure they are receiving the proper training and socialization they require to thrive.