german shepherd kaufen is the perfect balance of strength and agility. Their high trainability and protective instincts make these dogs beloved pets for families.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and practice ethical breeding. You can determine reliable breeders by asking for pedigree documents and previous health clearances.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are powerful, intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are extremely affectionate to their families and are fearless guardians of them. The breed standard states that the GSD must be a steady temperament, confident and courageous. It must also be obedient and willing to please.
The breed is strong, medium-sized and slightly extended. It has a distinct double coat, which is comprised of a hard outer layer and a soft undercoat. Its eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and set slightly obliquely. The ears are pointed and wide at the base. The tail is bushy and reaches to below the hocks when the dog is at rest. The neck of the breed is long and sloping slightly. The chest is wide and deep. The spine is firm and the ribs are well-sprung.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious flaws, such as roached backs and long pasterns, which hinder the proper movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression.
As working dogs, GSDs naturally possess high-energy drives. These are behaviors and needs that include territorial protection as well as the pursuit of prey. If these high-drives are not fulfilled in a particular way, for example through play or work and it can lead to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner that helps dampen these drives, but they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise and mental stimulation to maintain an enlightened lifestyle.
GSDs tend to be cautious and suspicious of strangers initially. This protective trait makes them great guard dogs and requires proper training to avoid overreactions. When properly socialized at a young age, they make wonderful family pets. They are also great with kids.
The GSD is a resilient species to illness and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can impact the quality of life. These include seizures, epilepsy and bleeding disorders. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure UV rays and ensuring that it receives routine vaccinations should help reduce the chance of developing these conditions.
Temperament
German Shepherds are intelligent and eager to learn. They are also highly capable of training. They are a working breed and excel in a variety tasks, including herding police work, search and rescue, detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind. They are also excellent family pets. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal as well as the attention and focus of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive manner. They require plenty of space and exercise and may not be suitable for apartments or other smaller living spaces.
The ideal German Shepherd is well-balanced and confident, with a firm and steady temperament. They are loyal, vigilant, and suspicious of strangers. If they are not socialized properly and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can become aggressive. These dogs are very smart and can be insecure and bored, so they need a good outlet for their natural curiosity.
Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This created a breed that is responsive and obedient. He did not agree with those who believed that German Shepherds should be a showpiece, and he made sure his dogs had stable temperaments and strong herding instincts and a sound body structure. He even refused to breed certain dogs that had unstable temperaments or sharp angles in their croups and rear and front pasterns because he believed that these characteristics could hinder the ability of the breed to perform its traditional work.
In addition to the hereditary diseases that can plague any breed of dog German Shepherds are also prone to cancers, including 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 well-being of your German Shepherd. This means giving him a balanced diet and regular exercise. You should give plenty of time to run and play in a secure area away from traffic. Keep him groomed by brushing his thick double coat regularly by using a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake to remove hairs that are loose. It is recommended that you visit your 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 they can develop ailments that affect their ears and eyes like degenerative amyelopathy. They may also suffer from an inherited disease called von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary which affects their ability to clot blood, and can be found in both female and male dogs.
GSDs are a working breed and as such, they undergo strenuous training. As a result, they are prone to developing joint issues. Hip dysplasia is an extremely common condition that can cause lameness, pain and other symptoms. It's not a serious condition but can be painful for the dog.
reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund X-ray their dogs and utilize the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health of the puppy and its genetic history, including the probability that it will develop dysplasia. Dogs with a high likelihood of developing the disorder aren't breeding.
Panosteitis can affect German Shepherds. The condition causes the bones to grow rapidly and unevenly. This can lead to pain and stiffness. This condition is most prevalent in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are going through a large growth spurt.
These dogs require a diet high in protein and a large mix of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins for a healthy coat and skin. These dogs are able to benefit from a diet that contains joints-supporting ingredients, such as the glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months old age should have moderate exercise including multiple walks and, if they are compatible with other dogs, playing together, but they should not run at full speed as this can damage growing joints.
Table food or bones from animals must be avoided, since they can trigger digestive upset, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages can benefit from a probiotic supplement to help with digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements to assist with breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should have the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled trainer's guidance. They are ideal for police and military tasks in search and rescue and therapy dog roles, and many other specializations. Their unwavering loyalty makes them a great pet, provided they are well-socialized and properly trained.
Socialization is the first step to creating a well-adjusted GSD. From a young age expose your puppy to different animals and people. Take them for frequent walks and play games. Visit local dog parks. This will make them feel more secure and confident and will teach them to trust people at an early age.
It requires patience, consistency, as well as positive reinforcement to train to train a German shepherd. It is essential to avoid negative reinforcement methods, such as shouting and physical punishment as they can lead to 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. Mental stimulation exercises are just as important for an GSD as physical exercise, especially when you have an area with a lot of activity. This will help them remain focused and less likely to be distracted by street noises or storms or other dogs in the park, or the crowds at competitions and public events.
Some health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include Hemangiosarcoma, cancer of bones as well as the lungs and intestinal tract, as well as pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these diseases are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle accommodations.
Despite their infamous reputation German Shepherds are loving family pets. When they are around children at a young age, they can be friendly and gentle with smaller animals like cats. They are extremely effective guardians due their size and strength, but they should be watched when they are around young children. If they aren't being exposed to enough training and socialization and are not properly socialized, they could exhibit signs of aggression. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy obedience or school will ensure that he receives the training and socialization that he needs to be successful.