If properly trained and socialized from a young age, German Shepherds are well with children. They are able to get along with other dogs too.
Responsible breeders check their dogs for health issues to ensure that they do not pass on any health issues to their puppies. They also spend much effort and time raising their litters.
Temperament
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent dogs, making them highly adaptable and quick to master training. These faithful dogs are dedicated and protective of their beloved ones. These qualities make them excellent military or police dogs and also wonderful family members.
The temperament of a German Shepherd is as varied as any other breed. The temperament of a puppy is the result of three things: bloodlines drive, socialization and bloodlines. It is vital to find an ethical breeder and choose a puppy that has excellent temperament and character traits. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with the results of the dog's temperament tests from the American Temperament Test Society or the German Shepherd Dog Club of America, which are both well-known and respected organizations.
If you're looking for a German Shepherd pup, choose one with a curious and outgoing personality. Avoid shy puppies, which are scared and secluded. They do not possess the authentic German Shepherd character and may be difficult to train. It is crucial to expose your new German Shepherd puppy to people, places and things at an early age to familiarize them with the sights and sounds of daily life.
German Shepherds require a lot of exercise. They must run and swim to release their energy. If you do not have the space or time to dedicate to the German Shepherd then this breed might not be suitable for you. It is crucial to keep these dogs on a leash at all times while in public. They can easily become distracted and not obey regular instructions.
Male German Shepherds are taller than females and possess more muscle mass, however their personalities are typically similar. In general, females tend to be more reserved than males.
German Shepherds have a thick double coat, which requires a little more attention than other breeds. You'll have to brush them frequently to remove dirt and knots. Also, you'll need to brush their teeth a couple times every week and trim their nails every 2-3 weeks.
Health
German Shepherds require plenty of physical exercise to remain healthy and content. If you reside in an apartment or have a limited space for your dog to run and play an expert obedience trainer might be needed to teach you the basic commands and assist you in training your pup to behave.
Like all breeds, German Shepherds are predisposed to certain health issues. One of the most frequent is degenerative myelopathy (DM), an incurable neurological condition that causes weakness in the back legs and eventually causes paralysis. DM is a genetic condition It is recommended to buy your German Shepherd puppy from a responsible breeder who screen parents for the condition and take care not to transmit it to their puppies.
Another issue to be aware of is epilepsy, a condition in which the brain's electrical activity changes and triggers seizures. If your German shepherd suffers from epilepsy, you'll have to provide him with medication throughout his life to avoid seizures. Some vets treat dogs with epilepsy and they offer a variety of medications to control the condition.
German Shepherds are prone to ear infections if their ears are over-moisturized. Swimming or bathing regularly, or using ear cleaning liquid frequently can cause ears to become over-hydrated, which can lead to the growth of bacteria and infection. Keep your German Shepherd's ear clean and only clean it when the ears appear to be filthy.
If you're thinking of adopting an German Shepherd dog, ensure that the rescue center has given you information about the dog's health background. It is also recommended to get your dog neutered or spayed and also consider a pet insurance policy that will help with unexpected vet bills.
German Shepherds are usually great with children. However, they should always be closely monitored when they are around children, especially toddlers. Other pets are usually okay however, you must introduce them slowly. If your German shepherd hasn't been raised with cats and other small animals, it's likely that he will have a natural urge for them.
Training
German Shepherds are herding breeds. As such, they require plenty of mental and body stimulation. If they don't receive enough stimulation, they could be destructive or even behaving out. Due to this, they're better in homes with gardens where they can run and play. You can also keep them occupied in a small space when you give them enough attention and exercise each day.
If you are considering buying a German Shepherd, it's best to choose from reputable breeders. This will allow you to avoid problems with health and behavior that often occur due to unresponsible breeding practices. Breeders with good reputations test both parents to prevent hereditary problems from being passed on to their puppies. These include elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy Bloat (gastric dilation volvulus) and other ailments.
Inquiring if they belong to the American Kennel Club, or whether they have any other certifications is an excellent method to determine if a German Shepherd Breeder is reputable. They should also be able to answer any questions you may have about their breeds or breeding practices.
Once you've found an reputable German Shepherd breeder, it's essential to meet them in person before you purchase. This will give you the chance to feel the dog's personality and temperament. It's also a great chance to understand more about a breed and how to care for it.
If you're looking to purchase for a German Shepherd puppy, be prepared to pay several thousand dollars on the first year of its life. This includes grooming and vaccination appointments as along with food and pet insurance. The cost will rise each year that you are the owner of your pet.
If you're purchasing a German Shepherd, be sure to purchase all the equipment you'll need, including a collar, crate and leash. Select high-quality items that are able to stand up to the demands of your dog's powerful jaws. You'll also need a large strong backyard fence to keep the dog safe even when you're away from at home. Be sure to keep your dog on a leash whenever you're out in public areas to prevent nippy behavior as well as dangerous encounters. This is important because German Shepherds are pack-animals and will become frustrated and anxious if kept in a cage or outside for long periods.
You can also learn how to care for yourself.
German Shepherds require lots of physical activity to get their energy back and avoid irritating or destructive behavior like barking, chewing and digging. They require daily physical activity to keep their minds and bodies active and thrive in a home that provides them plenty of space. They also require a lot of interaction and attention. This will keep them from becoming bored and discontent and can result in misbehavior like chewing on shoes or the couch.
They shed often and require frequent grooming sessions - a couple of times every week - to get rid of hair that is loose. They also are susceptible to certain diseases that are inherited, such as intestinal and pancreatic disease as well as food sensitivities and allergies which can be treated with a healthy diet and avoiding table foods, people snacks and dog treats.
They can make excellent pets for families if they are properly trained. However they can also be trained for specific jobs such as helping disabled individuals sniffing out drugs or serving as a military dog. If you are looking to purchase a German Shepherd, it is crucial to select an established breeder who can screen their parents for health issues and make sure that the puppies are socialized from an early age, so that they won't be scared of strangers or be aggressive towards other animals or humans.
Like all dogs, German Shepherds need annual checkups to ensure that they are healthy and have the required vaccines. They are also susceptible to a variety of diseases, including cancer. Hemangiosarcoma is a type of cancer that is common in German Shepherds, which develops mostly in blood-rich tissues, such as the spleen and liver. It is a common cancer. Other health issues include lung, intestinal and bone cancers. If you notice any of these symptoms make an appointment with your physician immediately.