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The Purebred German Shepherd Dog The GSD is the perfect combination of strength and speed. Its high trainability and natural protective instincts make them loved family dogs. If you are looking for purebred german shepherd dogs, look for breeders who practice ethical breeding and prioritize the health of their dogs. You can determine reliable breeders by asking for pedigree papers and prior health clearances. Characteristics German Shepherds are strong intelligent dogs that are easily capable of being trained. They are loyal to their family and can be a formidable guardian. Breed standard states the GSD should be self-confident and courageous, as well as possess a calm and steady temperament. It should also be obedient and willing to obey. The breed is medium-sized slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat consisting of an outer layer of hardness, and a softer undercoat. The almond-shaped eyes of the dog are dark and obliquely set. The ears are large at the base and pointed. The tail is slender and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is at rest. The breed's neck is long and slightly sloping. The chest is large and deep. The ribs are well-sprung, and the spine is firm. The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns, which interfere with the correct movement. The hindquarters of the dog must be strong but not overexaggerated. The rear leg should never go beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression. As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires towards things like territorial protection and the pursuit of prey). When these high drives aren't fulfilled through play or work and it leads to aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are created to help reduce these impulses. However, they still require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to keep a balanced life. GSDs are usually cautious around strangers and could be cautious at first. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs. It requires appropriate training to avoid overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when properly socialized at a young age and are generally good with children. The GSD has an elevated pain threshold and is resistant to illness, however it does have certain health issues that could impact its quality of life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. The best way to prevent these diseases is to limit your dog's exposure to UV rays and ensuring that it is vaccinated regularly can help. Temperament German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn. They are also trainable. They are an active dog breed that excels at many tasks, including herding, police work and search and rescue. They also excel at detection of explosives and drugs, and aiding blind people. They also make excellent pet for families. However, this powerful and confident breed needs an unwavering focus and the attention of a confident owner to harness their energy and strength in a positive way. They require plenty of exercise and space and may not be a good fit in smaller living spaces. The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal, alert and sceptical of strangers. If they aren't properly socialized and trained, this protective and watchful behavior can turn into aggression. Dogs with these traits can be smart, independent and easily bored. They must find a way to satisfy their curiosity. Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, utilized shorter and longer-haired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This resulted in a breed that is responsive and respectful. Max von Stephanitz did not agree with those who wanted German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and made sure his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding impulses, and a sound body structure. He also refused to breed certain dogs that were temperamentally unstable or had steep angles in their croups and front and rear pasterns as he believed these traits would undermine the breed's ability to perform its traditional work. In addition to the hereditary diseases that can plague any dog breed German Shepherds are also susceptible to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs, such as the liver and spleen. They can also develop lung, bone, or intestinal cancers. You can prevent these diseases by maintaining the physical health of your German Shepherd. This includes providing him with a nutritious diet and regular exercise. It is important to give him plenty of time to play and run outdoors in a safe place away from traffic. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat, using the deshedding tool or an undercoat rake. Also, make sure that you take him to the vet on a regular basis for his routine health checks. Health German Shepherds have a healthy health record, but some health issues do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections, and may develop conditions that affect their eyes and ears such as degenerative amyelopathy. They may also be affected by a genetic disease known as von Willebrand's disease that is hereditary, which impacts their ability to clot blood and is present in both female and male dogs. As a working breed, GSDs often engage in vigorous training and they may suffer from joint problems as a result. Hip dysplasia is a typical condition that causes lameness, pain and other signs. this content is not a major condition, but it can be painful to the dog. Breeders who are reputable X-ray the dogs they breed and use the results to inform breeding decisions. The x-rays help determine the health and genetic history of the puppy, as well as how likely it is to develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing the disorder are not bred. Like all large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, which causes stiffness and pain in the joints. This condition is most common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs younger than 18 months who are going through an enormous growth spurt. These dogs require a diet high in protein with a generous mix of omega-fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain skin and coat health. They can benefit from joint support in their food like glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs younger than 18 months should be given moderate exercise, such as walking or playing with a dog if they are compatible. However, they should not run at a high speed, since this could cause damage to the joints they are developing. Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals must be avoided, since they can trigger vomiting, diarrhea anorexia, pancreatitis, and vomiting. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements to aid in 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 guide's supervision. As such, they are ideal for police and military tasks such as search and rescue, therapy dog roles, and a myriad of other specialized roles. However, their dedication to their job makes them a wonderful family pet when properly trained and socialized. Socialization is the first step to raising a well-adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to range of people and animals from a young age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and even visiting local dog parks. This will make them feel comfortable and secure in a new setting and ensure that they become comfortable with humans from an early age. It requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement to train a German shepherd. Avoid methods of negative reinforcement such as yelling or physical punishment, which can result in fear-based aggression. Instead, opt for reward-based training and clicker training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands. It is also crucial to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation are just as important for a GSD as physical exercise, particularly in the case of a household with lots of people. This will help keep their attention and focus so they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street, thunderstorms and other dogs in the park or crowds at competitions or public events. Some health conditions that are exclusive to German Shepherds include hemangiosarcoma and cancer of the bones as well as the lungs and intestinal tract, and pannus (superficial keratitis). All of these ailments are preventable with responsible breeding practices and appropriate lifestyle adjustments. German Shepherds are loving family dogs despite their reputation as a feared breed. When they are around children from a young age they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets like cats. They are formidable guardians due to their size and strength, however, they must be monitored when they are around young children. They could also exhibit signs of a hereditary tendency to aggression if not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. Enrolling your German Shepherd into a puppy school or obedience class will ensure that he receives the training and socialization he requires to be successful.