How To Explain Purebred German Shepherd Dog To Your Grandparents

The Purebred German Shepherd Dog

The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and speed. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them loved family dogs.

If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd select breeders who value the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree papers and previous health clearances will help you identify 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 a GSD should be self-confident and courageous. They should also have a calm and steady temperament. It should also be obedient and willing to please.

The breed is medium in size slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a distinct double coat made up of a hard outer layer as well as an undercoat that is soft. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and positioned slightly obliquely. The ears are wide at the base and pointed. When the dog is laying down in a shady position, the tail is bushy. It reaches below the hocks. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is strong.

The breed is generally healthy, but it has serious issues, like roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder the proper movement. Its hindquarters should be powerful however, they should not be overly exaggerated and the rear leg should not go ahead of the point at which the forefoot leaves a footprint.

As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high-energy drives. These are behaviors and needs that involve territorial protection and hunting of prey. If these high-drives aren’t fulfilled in some way through play or work, it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a way that can help reduce these urges but they require lots of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to live a balanced life.

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. They make wonderful family pets when properly socialized from a young age and are generally good with children.

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

Temperament

German Shepherds are smart, eager to learn, and highly capable of training. They are a working breed and excel in a variety of tasks, such as herding, police work, search and rescue, detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind. They are also excellent companions for families. This strong and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal and the attention and focus of a responsible owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require a lot of space and deutscher Schäferhund pflege exercise and might not be suited to apartments or other smaller living spaces.

The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a solid and steady temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained to be vigilant and protective, this behavior could turn into aggressive. They are extremely smart and can be self-sufficient and easily bored, which is why they require an outlet 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 develop the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we see today. He disagreed with people who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece and he made sure his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He even resisted breeding certain dogs that had temperaments that were unstable or had steep angles in their croups as well as rear and front pasterns since he believed that these traits could hamper the breed’s ability to do its job as it is.

German Shepherds can also be prone to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a common cancer that affects the liver and spleen organs that have a high blood supply. They can also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers.

To prevent these conditions, you should maintain your German Shepherd’s physical health by feeding him a the right diet and exercise. You should give him plenty of time to run and play in a safe place free of traffic. Keep him clean by brushing his dense double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake to remove hairs that have fallen off. It is recommended that you visit your vet regularly for regular health check-ups.

Health

German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have some health issues. They are prone to ear infections and may develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. Both male and female can be affected by hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders their ability to clot the blood.

As a working breed GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint issues as a result. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by a lack of growth and development of cartilage and joint that can result in discomfort, lameness, and other symptoms. This is not always a serious problem however it can be painful for the dog.

Breeders who are trustworthy are able to X-ray their dogs 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 probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high likelihood of developing the disorder are not bred.

Like all large breeds, German Shepherds can be affected by panosteitis, which causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, which causes pain and stiffness in the legs. The condition is especially prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are experiencing the midst of a massive growth spurt.

These dogs require a diet high in protein and a large mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins to ensure skin and coat health. Dogs with arthritis will benefit from a diet that has joint support, such as chondroitin or glucosamine. Dogs under the age of 18 months should be given moderate exercise, such as walking or playing with a dog if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at full speed, as this could damage their joints that are growing.

Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food, as they can cause vomiting, digestive upsets, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion, as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in breaking down proteins. Mineral and vitamin supplements are not necessary in the sense that a well-formulated and approved AAFCO diet should provide the proper amount of these nutrients.

Training

German Shepherds are highly-trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled trainer’s guidance. This makes them ideal for military and police work in search and rescue as well as therapy dog roles and many other specializations. Their inexplicably loyal nature makes them an excellent pet, if they are well-socialized and properly trained.

Socialization is the first step towards raising a well-adjusted GSD. Expose your puppy to a variety of people and animals at an early age, taking them for frequent walks, playing games, and going to local dog parks. This will help them feel secure and at ease in a new environment and ensure that they develop trust in humans from a young age.

It requires patience, perseverance as well as positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods like physical and verbal punishment, as they can 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 can be as important as physical exercise for a GSD particularly in a busy or chaotic household. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by noises or thunderstorms as well as other dogs at the park, or the crowds at competitions and public events.

Some health conditions that are unique to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma, cancer of the bones, lungs, and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these conditions can be prevented by responsible breeding and lifestyle choices.

German Shepherds are loyal family dogs, despite their reputation as a feared breed. When they are exposed to children from a young age, they can be friendly and gentle with smaller pets like cats. However, their size and strength make them formidable guardians and they should be observed around children who are younger. They could also display indications of a genetic tendency to aggression if 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 that he needs to flourish.