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The Purebred German Shepherd Dog The GSD represents the perfect combination of strength and agility. Its high trainability and natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs. If you are looking for a purebred German Shepherd dog Choose breeders who are concerned about the health of their dogs and follow ethical breeding. You can identify trustworthy breeders by requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances. Characteristics German Shepherds are strong, intelligent dogs that are easily capable of being trained. They are loyal to their families and are able to be fearless guardians. The breed standard states that a GSD must be confident, courageous, and have a steady temperament. It should also be obedient and willing to please. 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 eyes are dark, almond-shaped, and set in a oblique manner. The ears are wide and pointed at the base. The tail is bushy and extends down to below the hocks when the dog is lying down. The breed's neck is long and sloping slightly. The chest is broad and deep. The ribs are well-sprung and the spine is firm. The breed is generally healthy however it is prone to serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder proper movement. Its hindquarters must be powerful but not exaggerated. The rear leg should never extend beyond the point at which the foot leaves an impression. As working dogs, GSDs have naturally high-energy drives. These are behaviors and desires that involve territorial protection and the pursuit of prey. If these high-drives aren't fulfilled through play or work this can result in aggressive behavior. Show-type German Shepherds are bred in a manner which helps to reduce these drives, but they still require a lot of positive reinforcement training, physical exercise, and mental stimulation to live a healthy lifestyle. GSDs are typically cautious around strangers and could be cautious at first. This trait of protection makes them great guard dogs. It 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 resistant to illnesses and has a high threshold for pain, but certain health conditions can affect the quality of life. These include seizures and epilepsy as well as bleeding disorders and immune-mediated diseases. By taking precautions, such as limiting the dog's exposure UV rays and making sure that regular vaccinations are given to the dog will help reduce the chance of developing these conditions. Temperament German Shepherds are smart, eager to learn, and extremely capable of being trained. They are a working breed that excel at a variety of tasks, including herding police work such as search and rescue as well as drug and bomb detection and guiding blind. They are also great pet for families. This ferocious and confident breed requires a clear and precise goal as well as the attention and focus of a responsible owner to channel their strength and energy positively. They need a lot of exercise and space and may not be a good fit for smaller living spaces. The ideal German shepherd is well-balanced and confident with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert, and they are sceptical of strangers. If not properly socialized and trained in this manner, their protective and vigilant behavior can turn into aggressive. These dogs are often intelligent and independent, yet easily bored. They must find an avenue to satisfy their curiosity. Max von Stephanitz, the founder of the breed, used shorthaired and longhaired German Shepherds in his breeding program. This led to an animal that is receptive and respectful. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted German Shepherds to be used as a showcase and ensured that his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding instincts, and an ideal body structure. He even resisted breeding some of his dogs who had unstable temperaments or steep angles in their croups and rear and front pasterns as he believed these traits could hinder the ability of the breed to do its job as it is. In addition to the here ditary diseases that can plague any dog breed, German Shepherds are prone to cancers such as Hemangiosarcoma. It is a cancer that typically affects blood-rich organs such as the spleen and liver. They may also develop bone, lung, or intestinal cancers. To avoid these issues ensure your German Shepherd's physical health by providing him with proper diet and exercise. Make sure he has plenty of opportunities to run and play outdoors, in a safe area away from traffic and other hazards. Make sure to regularly brush his double coat using tools for deshedding or an undercoat rake. It is recommended that you bring him to the vet regularly for regular health check-ups. Health German Shepherds are typically very healthy dogs, but they do have certain health issues. They are prone to ear infections and can develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, like degenerative myelopathy. Both female and male dogs can suffer from hereditary von Willebrand disease, a genetic disorder that hinders the ability of clotting blood. As a breed that is primarily used for work, GSDs often engage in vigorous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint problems as a result. One of the most common is hip dysplasia, which is characterized by the inadvertent growth and development of cartilage and joint which can cause pain, lameness and other signs. It's not a serious condition but can be painful to the dog. A reputable breeder will X-ray their dog and use the results to make breeding decisions. The x-rays can aid in determining the health of the puppy as well as its genetic background, including the possibility that it could develop dysplasia. Dogs who are at a high risk of developing dysplasia aren't breeding. Panosteitis can be a problem for German Shepherds. The condition causes bones to grow quickly and unevenly. This can result in stiffness and pain. This condition is most common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs under 18 months of age who are going through a large growth spurt. These dogs require an enriched diet rich in protein and a large mix of omega fatty acid and balanced vitamins for skin and coat health. They will benefit from joint support in their diet, such as glucosamine and chondroitin. Dogs under 18 months of age should have moderate exercise including multiple walks and, if they are compatible with other dogs playing together, but they should not be allowed to run at full speed as this could cause damage to joints that are growing. Foods that are table-based or contain bones from animals should be avoided because they can cause vomiting, digestive upset anorexia, vomiting, and pancreatitis. Dogs of all ages can benefit from a probiotic supplementation to aid digestion, and from digestive enzyme supplements that aid with breaking down proteins. A well-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals. Training German Shepherds are highly-trainable and biddable dogs that thrive under a skilled handler's guidance. They are a great choice for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. However, their inexplicably loyal nature makes them a great pet for the family when properly trained and socialized. The first step in establishing a well-adjusted GSD is socialization. Introduce your puppy to a variety of people and animals at an early age, taking them on frequent walks, playing games, and going to local dog parks. This will help them feel more comfortable and secure and teach them to trust people at an early age. Training for a German Shepherd requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. It is important to avoid negative reinforcement methods like physical and verbal punishment, as they can lead to fear-based aggression. Instead, you should use clicker training and rewards-based training to teach your German Shepherd basic commands. It is also important to provide your German Shepherd with a daily dose of enrichment. The exercises for mental stimulation are just as important to a GSD as physical exercise, especially in the case of a household with lots of people. This helps keep their attention and focus, so they are less likely to get distracted by street noises or thunderstorms or other dogs in the park or crowds at sporting events or public events. German Shepherds are susceptible to a number of health conditions, including hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs and intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these conditions are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle choices. German Shepherds are loyal family dogs, despite their reputation for being feared. When they are around children from a young age they can be incredibly affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets such as cats. Their size and strength make them excellent guardians, and they should always be watched over children younger than them. If they're not exposed enough to training and socialization, they may 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 education and socialization they require to thrive.