GERMAN SHEPHERD WELFARE

Description

The German Shepherd used to be called the Alsatian. This was due to the ill-feeling towards Germany after the First World War, and the dogs Franco-German origins (Alsace region). In 1977 The Kennel Club did away with this misnomer and officially declared the dog, the German Shepherd.

The overall appearance of the German Shepherd Dog is one of a magnificent, muscular dog that views its world with aloofness. The head is uniform and well chiselled with pointed, upright ears and dark, almond shaped eyes. They have a long, powerful muzzle with a scissor bite. The front legs accentuate the dog’s deep chest and muscular shoulders. The European dogs differ from the American ones in the angulations of the body but both should look well muscled and have depth without bulk. The tail is bushy and hangs to the hocks with a slight curve. The GSD has a double coat that can be short or long. The colours include solid black, black/tan, black/red, black/cream, and sables. White GSD’s are a controversial issue and are disqualified by many kennel clubs. However, the recessive white gene present in what are called ‘Black-to-Whites’ cause far more problems than are found in any pure white Shepherds. This dog excels at canine sports such as Schutzhund, Obedience trials, and Agility. When a German Shepherd moves it is poetry and beauty in motion! It moves with a smooth trot or a flowing gait, covering the ground in powerful strides that displays all the strength and nobility of this exceptional dog.

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Exercise Needs

The GSD requires strenuous exercise, with lots of play, training and mental stimulation. Care must be taken in exercising a puppy or young dog to prevent bone problems as an adult. This is a working dog that needs to be exercised outdoors regardless of the weather conditions.

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Common Ailments

Poor breeding has led to a number of health problems within the breed. These are hip dysplasia, heart problems, bone problems and cutaneous vasculopathy, (a health issue with GSD puppies causing crusty ears, tail, and sore cracked pads). The GSD is a deep chested dog that is prone to gastric torsion (bloat).

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Family

The GSD is a highly intelligent dog that develops strong bonds with its family. The dog has proved itself to be an invaluable, versatile, working dog in the military, the police, as a guide dog for the blind, as therapy dogs, and in many other roles in society. Obedience training is paramount for this dog not only because of its strong guarding instincts but also because it has the brains and temperament to take the dominant role in the household. The dog needs a confident owner that has knowledge of dog psychology and training methods. Any potential owner should evaluate their lifestyle and their personal capacity to be able to give this dog the training and attention it deserves. All in all, a loyal, devoted, protective, family dog that will suit a family that is active both physically and mentally to respect this dogs amazing abilities.