The 10 Most Dismal Purebred German Shepherd Dog Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
The Purebred German Shepherd Dog
The GSD is the perfect balance of agility and strength. Its exceptional training ability and natural protective instincts make them beloved family dogs.
If you are in search of a purebred German Shepherd select breeders who value the health of their dogs as well as practice ethical breeding. Requesting pedigree documents and previous health clearances can help determine reputable breeders.
Characteristics
German Shepherds are strong intelligent dogs that are capable of training. They are incredibly loyal to their family members and are a fierce protector of them. The breed standard says that the GSD must be a steady temperament, self-assured and courageous. It must also be able to be handled and willing to please.
The breed is medium-sized, slightly elongated, and muscular. It has a double coat consisting of a hard outer layer, and a softer undercoat. Its almond-shaped eyes are dark and slightly set. The ears are large at the base and pointed. The tail is bushy and extends down to the hocks below when the dog is lying down. The long neck with a slightly sloping slope is characteristic. The chest is wide and deep. The ribs are strong and the spine is solid.
The breed is generally sound however, it does have some serious faults such as roached-backs and long pasterns that hinder the proper movement. The hindquarters of the dog should be strong but not exaggerated. The rear leg should not extend beyond the point where the foot makes an impression.
As working dogs as well as working dogs, the GSD has high-drives that are naturally present (behavioral tendencies and desires for things like territorial protectiveness and the pursuit of prey). If these high-drives are not satisfied in a certain way, such as through play or work or playing, it can result in aggression. Show-type German Shepherds have been developed to reduce these drives. However, they still require a lot of positive reinforcement, physical exercise, and mental stimulation in order to maintain a balance life.
GSDs tend to be cautious and suspicious of strangers at first. This trait of protection makes GSDs great guard dogs, but requires proper training to avoid overreactions. They make wonderful family pets when properly socialized from a young age, and they're typically great with children.
The GSD is resilient to illness and has a high threshold for pain, however certain health conditions can impact the quality of its life. These include epilepsy/seizures and bleeding disorders. Preventing these conditions by limiting your dog's exposure UV rays and ensuring that it receives regular vaccinations can aid.
Temperament
German Shepherds are smart and eager to learn and highly trainable. They are a working breed that excel in a variety jobs, including herding, police work such as search and rescue as well as detection of drugs and bombs and guiding blind people. They are also excellent family members. However, this strong and confident breed needs a clear sense of purpose and the attention of a confident owner to channel their energy and strength positively. They require plenty of exercise and room, and may not be a good fit in smaller living spaces.
The ideal German shepherd is confident and well-balanced, with a strong and stable temperament. They are loyal and alert and they are sceptical of strangers. This guardian and attentive behavior can escalate into aggression when they are not properly trained, socialized and managed. sneak a peek at these guys are extremely smart and can be insecure and bored, and they require an outlet to satisfy their curiosity.
The founder Max von Stephanitz used herding and farm dogs, as well as longhaired and shorthaired German Shepherds, in his breeding program to create the kind of dog that was obedient and responsive that we see today. Max von Stephanitz disagreed with those who wanted German Shepherds to be a showpiece. He made sure that his dogs had stable tempers, strong herding impulses, and solid body structure. He was against breeding dogs with unstable temperaments, or with steep angles on their croups, front and rear pasterns. He believed that these traits would undermine the ability of the breed to carry out its traditional tasks.
German Shepherds can also be susceptible to cancers. Hemangiosarcoma is a frequent cancer that affects the spleen and liver organs that have a high blood supply. They can also develop bone, lung or intestinal cancers.
To avoid these issues to avoid them, you must maintain your German Shepherd's physical health by feeding him a the right diet and exercise. Make sure he gets plenty of opportunities to exercise and play outdoors in a secure area free of traffic and other dangers. Keep him groomed by brushing his thick double coat on a regular basis and using a de-shedding device or an undercoat rake to get rid of hairs that are loose. sneak a peek at these guys is recommended that you take him to your veterinarian regularly for routine health checks.
Health
German Shepherds have a good health record, but health problems do exist. They are susceptible to ear infections, and they can develop conditions affecting their eyes and ears, such as degenerative myelopathy. They may also suffer from an inherited disease called hereditary von Willebrand's disease which affects their ability to clot blood. It can be found in both male and female dogs.
As a working breed, GSDs are often involved in strenuous exercise during their training, and they may suffer from joint issues as a result. Hip dysplasia is a common condition that causes lameness, pain, and other symptoms. It is not a major condition but can be painful to the dog.
Breeders who are reputable X-ray their dogs and take the results into consideration when making 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 at high risk of developing dysplasia aren't bred.
Like most large breeds, German Shepherds may suffer from panosteitis, which causes the bones to grow quickly and unevenly, causing stiffness and pain in the limbs. The condition is particularly common in German Shepherd puppies and dogs less than 18 months old who are going through an enormous growth spurt.
They require a diet that is high in protein, with an abundance of omega fatty acids and balanced vitamins to maintain a healthy skin and coat. They can benefit from food with joint support, such as glucosamine or chondroitin. Dogs who are less than 18 months must be given moderate exercise like walking or playing with a dog if they are compatible. However it is not recommended to run at a high speed, as this could damage the joints they are developing.
Avoid feeding bone from animals or table food because they can cause digestive upsets, vomiting, anorexia, and pancreatitis. Puppies and adults can benefit from probiotic supplements to aid digestion as well as digestive enzyme supplements that help break down proteins. A properly-formulated AAFCO approved diet should include the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
Training
German Shepherds are highly trainable, biddable dogs that thrive under a knowledgeable guide's supervision. They are a great choice for military, police, search and rescue and therapy dog roles. Their constant loyalty makes them an excellent pet, if they are properly trained and socialized.
Socialization is the first step to raising a well adjusted GSD. Introduce your puppy to a range of people and animals at an early age, by taking them on frequent walks, playing games and even visiting local dog parks. This will help them feel confident and comfortable in a new place and ensure that they become comfortable with humans at an early age.
It requires patience, perseverance and positive reinforcement to train the German shepherd. Avoid negative reinforcement methods like yelling or physical punishment, which can lead to fear based aggression. Use clicker training and reward-based training to teach your German Shepherd the basic commands.
It is also important to provide your German Shepherd with a regular dose of enrichment. Exercises for mental stimulation can be equally important as physical exercise for an GSD, especially in a busy or chaotic household. This will help keep their attention and focus so that they are less likely to be distracted by noises from the street or thunderstorms, other dogs in the park, or crowds at sporting events and other public events.
German Shepherds are prone to a number of health conditions, including Hemangiosarcoma (cancer of bones, lungs and the intestinal tract) as well as pannus (superficial Keratitis) and cancer. All of these diseases are preventable through responsible breeding and lifestyle changes.
Despite sneak a peek at these guys are loving family pets. When they are around children from a young age they can be affectionate and gentle towards smaller pets like cats. They are powerful guardians due to their size and strength however, they must be monitored when around young children. They could also exhibit indications of a genetic predisposition toward aggression if they are not given the proper training and socialization opportunities. It is recommended that you enroll your German Shepherd in a puppy class or obedience classes to ensure that they receive the training and socialization they require to thrive.