The existing breed standard is designed so that the dog has good working qualities. This is achieved by a harmonious combination of body parameters. Another challenge is character. At the exhibition, dogs with unstable psyches are mercilessly culled.
German Shepherd breed standards
The appearance of the herding dogs from which the shepherds came changed over the years of breeding the new breed. adult German Shepherd differed from different breeders, other parameters also did not stand still. The first animals had nothing to do with modern dogs. The magnificent Horand von Grafarth, who was the first to be included in the breed register, would look more than modest today compared to the beauties of the ring.
Exhibition parameters differ slightly in different countries. American German Shepherds have such a “steep” back slope that the animal seems to be sitting all the time. Dogs working group don't look like factory ones. They have fewer folding requirements. In addition, the breed continues to improve, and it is sometimes difficult for experts to choose perfect dog, since compliance with the parameters does not always result in a completely harmonious dog.
German Shepherd Dimensions
German Shepherd- not such a massive dog. Moreover, exceeding the parameters is rejected. Typically, the size of a German Shepherd varies from 60 to 65 cm at the withers, and this is for males. The height of bitches does not exceed 60 cm, and the lower limits are 55 cm at the withers. The weight of a male can be 30-40 kg, females are more graceful and weigh 22-32 kg.
Head of a purebred dog
The head of a German Shepherd resembles that of a wolf. Large erect ears, an elongated muzzle of a shepherd like a forest predator. At the same time, males and females differ in the expression of their muzzle. The male dog has an imperious and courageous look, like the leader of a pack. Bitches have a more gentle facial expression.
According to the standard, skull purebred dog has the same length and width. The ratio of the length of the skull to the muzzle is 1:1. The main parameter is the parallelism of the facial and cranial axes. If you place one palm along the muzzle and the other on the dog's brow ridges, then the palms should be parallel.
Shepherd eyes
The dog's eyes have a semi-lateral position and are dark in color according to the standard. The darker the eyes, the better. But dogs are rejected only with yellow eye, as it makes the expression of the muzzle cold and distrustful.
Ears
Prick ears are wide at the base, pointed at the top, and set high on the skull. Puppies have drooping ears and can stand up from 4 to 8 months, and this is not a matter of concern. It's worse if the baby starts holding his ears too early. This indicates a weak animal whose ears are too light.
Teeth
The animal must have a full set of teeth and a scissor bite. An overbite, underbite or overbite is rejected. Dogs with partial teeth are also eliminated.
The German Shepherd should have an elongated body. Her torso should fit into a rectangle. The body length can exceed the height at the withers by 10-17%. In this case, the back has a slope towards the pelvis. The front is higher than the back. This is due to the fact that the impulse during running is transmitted from the rear. One of the characteristics of the Shepherd is endurance, so the body and limbs are an ideal mechanism for easy trotting.
Neck
The neck should be 35% of the dog's height at the withers. Ideally, the neck axis has an inclination of 45 degrees. to horizontal and 90 degrees. to the shoulder. The neck circumference of a German Shepherd is not a standard measurement, but can vary. Approximate figures 50-55 cm.
Breast
Options chest rarely measured at exhibitions. An inspection is usually sufficient. The average chest circumference of a German Shepherd is 85-89 cm, but this depends on the proportions of the dog. The depth of the chest and its width are taken into account.
Shoulder to forelimb ratio
More recently, the ideal angle between the shoulder blade and the shoulder was 90 degrees, but such parameters were impossible to achieve. Now an interval of 98-110 degrees is allowed. The inclination of the scapula and shoulder to the horizontal line matters. The shoulder blade should have an inclination to the horizontal of 54 degrees, and the shoulder - 55-60 degrees. A straight, long shoulder is valued in the ring.
The role of the back in the movement of the dog
The high withers are sloping, this provides traction to the back, which helps transmit momentum during movement. The back is long, formed by 8 vertebrae, and has developed muscles. This is the conductor of the impulse of movement. The loin is short and wide. It connects the back to the back pushing part. The sacrum is long, wide, and muscular. Almost all the muscles involved in movement are attached to it. Its inclination to the horizontal is 27-31 degrees.
The role of the hind limbs
In the hind limbs, the tibia and shin bones should be positioned at an angle of 120 degrees. in relation to each other. This is the optimal ratio at which the dog can move easily and evenly. A more obtuse angle will not allow you to take a wide step, and a less obtuse angle will reduce the strength of the limb.
Tail
The tail has many functions:
- protects the genitals and anus;
- acts as a means of communication;
- acts as a steering wheel.
According to the standard, the tail should reach the ankle; in modern dogs it is usually longer. Some dogs have to hold their tail up to prevent it from dragging on the ground. A violation is considered to be a tail that is “attached” too low.
German Shepherd coat
The correct shepherd's coat is thick with undercoat. The guard hair is hard and adheres to the body. The hair is short on the face and longer on the neck. WITH back side of the front paws, the hair may extend down to the pastern, on hind legs there may be fringes.
Colors of pedigree dogs
The color can be black, gray, black with brown, yellow. Light gray spots are allowed. Combination possible gray with black, black mask. White color may be rejected if it is represented by noticeable spots on the chest, excessively light colors internal sides, white claws and an unpainted nose. The nose cannot be pink or brown - only black. Dogs with light eyes are not allowed for breeding.
Personality of the German Shepherd
For the German Shepherd, not only the exterior is important, because it service dog. If at first she was only a shepherd, then later “universality was invested in her.” The Shepherd is a “jack of all trades” service dog. She must be hardy and tireless, well trained. The pet must have ideal contact with humans and be able to accept independent decisions. For many years, there was a strict culling of dogs with unstable psyches.
The German Shepherd ring is a special spectacle. The dog must demonstrate its best qualities:
- Features of temperament and threshold of excitability. How quickly the animal reacts to stimuli.
- Search work. How an animal can pick up a trail.
- Protection of the owner, property and territory.
- Fighting qualities. How much does a dog like to fight?
- Confident behavior in stressful situations.
- Distrust of strangers and objects.
- Endurance and perseverance. Work in any situation.
- The dog must be able to show courage and observation, be attentive and make independent decisions depending on the situation.
Untrained dogs that cannot follow commands are rejected. Nervous and cowardly dogs, pets that show aggression and do not have sufficient contact with the owner receive refusal.
Show dog and its condition
Having got the ideal pedigree dog, you may not get it at the show good mark. Education and training are only one part of the job. The dog must have the correct constitution, that is, normal grooming and fatness. A well-fed pedigree dog will not receive a good grade, just like an emaciated one. The condition of a pedigree dog, as a rule, differs from this indicator of an animal of working breeding. The latter may have a thinner layer of fat. Working dogs are not assessed by conformation at all, since their success in competitions is important. They are used to evaluate the dogs in this ring.
The two branches of dogs have been bred since the time when the kennel owners themselves split. Some focused on beauty, others on reaction speed and endurance. At the same time, pedigree dogs still did not become decorative sissies.
Violations in the standard
Why a dog can be rejected, for example, for improper behavior in the ring. Aggressive behavior towards judges or other dogs, cowardice or disobedience may result in disqualification from the show.
Dogs with cryptorchidism are screened out based on physical parameters. Moreover, one of the conditions of the standard is pronounced sexual characteristics.
It is important that the height at the withers of a German Shepherd does not exceed breed standards.
Dog having excess weight, or a loose body structure is also not suitable for exhibition. Incorrect proportions as well as insufficient height of the shepherd at the withers are signs of a violation of the standard. Too light or heavy bones, long or crooked legs, docked tail will not allow the pet to compete with its fellow tribesmen.
Culling can also be carried out based on the following criteria:
- too light coat color or incorrect pigmentation;
- malocclusion or missing teeth;
- inappropriate muzzle parameters;
- soft or floppy ears;
- bifurcated or unpigmented nose.
Dogs with defects and defects are not allowed for breeding.
German Shepherd Standard RKF
Russian breed standards have undergone no less changes than the German Shepherd itself over the entire period of its development. The first influx of dogs coincided with the German “crisis of overproduction” of service dogs in Germany in 1923. The specimens brought into the country were not best quality. Great Patriotic War greatly “thinned out” the breed, and politics finally stopped its development in the USSR. Large ones, created on the “scraps” of rock material, were far from the harmonious “Germans”. Their own breed and lack of contact with the former enemy put breeding work at risk.
The first purebred dogs were obtained secretly, across several borders. The breeders risked not only their reputation, but also their lives. Breeding German Shepherds was considered treason.
The first stream of German Shepherds of average quality poured out of the GDR
In the 70s, the socialist countries abandoned the eastern standards of German shepherds and switched to western ones. Unwanted animals were sold cheaply in Soviet Union. Only in 1989 did the USSR adopt international standards for German shepherds.
Breed standards answer the question of what size German Shepherds should be and what they look like. The priority for dogs of this breed should be harmony, as in appearance, and in behavior.
Breed standards for German Shepherds are characterized by many parameters. This is not only height and weight, but also the characteristics of the dog’s build, the presence of the correct bite, eye color, and even the dog’s temperament. It is thanks to time-tested parameters that we present the German Shepherd not only as a beautiful, but also as a strong friend and protector of humans.
"Germans" are counted among large breeds dogs: males are characterized by height from 60 to 65 cm at the withers and weight from 30 to 40 kg, and for females - 55-60 cm and 22-32 kg, respectively.
However, in addition to height and weight, other dimensions or characteristics of the German Shepherd are assessed, from the proportions of the body structure to the color of the nose.
The eyes of a German Shepherd should be dark, and the darker their color, the better. Dogs with light eyes do not meet the standards.
3 months
The three-month-old puppy is developing rapidly, its height is about 40-45 cm, weight - 10-16 kg, and length - 44-50 cm.
4 months
By the end of the fourth month, German Shepherd puppies grow to 46-55 cm and weigh 15-20 kg. And the body length is 51-61 cm.
5 months
Five-month-old puppies continue to actively gain height and weight. At this age, they weigh between 18-26 kg, height at the withers reaches 51-58 cm, and the dog’s body length is 56-64 cm.
6 months
Six-month-old puppies already resemble an adult dog in height and chest volume; the proportions practically do not change with age. This age is characterized by a height of 52-62 cm, a body length of 57-68 cm and a weight of 19 to 29 kg.
A properly composed diet plays a major role in the correspondence between nominal and actual parameters, since upon reaching the transitional age of six months, shepherd dogs begin to gain mainly only in muscle mass.
8 months
At eight months of age, a young representative of the breed weighs from 22 to 31 kg, and height is about 53 to 63 cm with a body length of 58 to 69 cm.
10 months
During this period, an active increase in flat bones (ribs, etc.) occurs in the puppy’s body; around this period, boys’ testicles descend into special bag, and girls have their first heat. The dog gains approximately 1-3 cm in height, reaching 54-62 cm at the withers with a weight of 27 to 33 kg. and body length approximately 59-69 cm.
1 year
One-year-old dogs already look like adults, but during this period the final formation takes place. nervous system. Over the next year, the dog matures, and “teenage” conflicts with the owner often occur. The height of one-year-old German Shepherds reaches 55-63 cm, the body length is 61-70 cm, and the weight is 30-34 kg.
Growth chart by month
Generalized data on the main indicators of development of a German Shepherd puppy are provided in the summary table, however, individual development indicators in the first year of life may differ slightly due to the characteristics of the dog’s maturation, nutrition, gender, etc.
| Age in months | Height at withers (cm) | Male weight (kg) | Bitch weight (kg) | Chest circumference (cm) |
| 1 month | 19-21 | 3.5-4.2 | 3-3.3 | 28-31 |
| 2 months | 32-38 | 8.5-9 | 7.5-8 | 46-49 |
| 3 months | 40-48 | 14-14.2 | 12-12.3 | 56-59 |
| 4 months | 47-56 | 19-20 | 16-16.4 | 60-64 |
| 5 months | 51-58 | 22-22.9 | 20-21.7 | 65-70 |
| 6 months | 52-60 | 24-26 | 22.5-23 | 68-72 |
| 7 months | 53-61 | 28-28.4 | 23-24.7 | 70-72 |
| 8 months | 53-61 | 29-30 | 25-25.3 | 72-74 |
| 9 months | 53-61 | 30.5-32 | 26.1-26.5 | 74-75 |
| 10 months | 54-62 | 31.9-32.3 | 27-27.5 | 74-75 |
| 11 months | 54-62 | 33-33.5 | 28-29 | 75-76 |
| 12 months | 55-63 | 33-34 | 30-32 | 75-76 |
We will describe only a few characteristics of the German Shepherd (breed standard) and provide diagrams to help you better evaluate your pet or the parents of your future puppy.
If you compare a dog and a bitch, the gender differences are immediately obvious. The male is stronger, larger and more majestic. In his gaze there is attention and charm of authority, because in packs of wolves and dogs the leader is always a male.
The female, on the contrary, should have a tender and devoted look, due to her role as a mother. No matter how beautiful a dog is, it does not perfectly meet the standard if it is gender not visible to the eye. It should have erect ears and an elongated muzzle, which is characteristic of an adult wolf. Puppies, on the contrary, have floppy ears and a rounded muzzle.
Such forms of the Caucasian Shepherd, whose psyche is more inhibited early stage will remain until adulthood. They strain their ears most often at times of anxiety. But genetically the right dog, begins to keep them always raised between 4 and 8 months, although owners usually begin to worry about this at 4.5 months.
However, what should cause concern is rather little puppy German Shepherd , whose ears are already standing. This could be a sign general weakness physique. Healthy and strong puppies have large, heavy ears, so they later learn to strain them. A weak puppy has small and light ears - it is easier for him to lift them.
Examining the head of an adult dog, we see that the length and width of the skull are the same. The ratio of the length of the muzzle to the length of the skull is also 1 to 1. Therefore, experts say that the German Shepherd is mesocephalic.
The eyes of a German Shepherd should be semi-lateral and dark in color. It's very hard to find now dark color eyes, so there is a tendency to reject only completely yellow eyes, considering them a defect of the breed, since they give the look an expression of coldness and distrust. Acceptable eye color is ocher or reddish.
Of course, the darker the eye, the more preferable it is. The German Shepherd's ears are wide at the base with a sharp tip, set high, and stand upright. The teeth must be properly set. Scissor bite. A pincer bite is considered a defect, as is a protruding lower or upper jaw.
Let's move on to torso and limbs. Let's examine them while the dog is trotting. The German Shepherd is not just a runner, but an extreme runner. She is able to run for as long as possible, with as little effort as possible, with long trotting movements: powerful and fast. Since the impulse of movement comes from the rear of the body, the ideal build for a German Shepherd is one that will ensure that impulse is transferred from the rear to the front in the most economical manner.
Let's take a look neck, which in movement balances between the head and torso. The ideal neck should be quite long, approximately 35% of the dog's height at the withers. But the main thing is that it should be separated from a clearly visible harmonious inclined line. With a perfect physique, the axis of the neck forms an angle of 45 degrees with the horizontal line and 90 degrees with the shoulder.
Now let's look at the relative position of the shoulder and forelimb. For a German Shepherd, the angle between the shoulder blade and the shoulder is very important. Once upon a time it should have been as close to a right angle as possible. In reality, you won't find a right angle. It's good if this angle is from 98 to 110 degrees. The inclination of the scapula and shoulder relative to the horizontal line is also important.
The angle of the blade should be approximately 54 degrees. They once talked about 45 degrees, but this never happens in real life. The angle between the shoulder and the horizontal line is 55-60 degrees. The shoulder must not only have a good slope, but must also be long to ensure the desired stride length. Unfortunately, shoulder length is one of the main problems of modern dog breeders. In addition, straight shoulders are becoming less and less common.
The torso of a German Shepherd, like the torso of all racing dogs, can be fit into a rectangle. Its length should be equal to 11/10 of the dog's height at the withers. The withers are that part of the dog's torso that is located behind the neck. It should be high and sloping back to provide good grip on the back and ensure effective transmission of momentum. With a high withers, but without a slope, its unity with the back is lost. The back becomes intermittent and therefore defective. The eight dorsal vertebrae following the withers form the back itself. It should also be long and strong.
The rump of a German Shepherd should be long, wide, and well sloping. It is anatomically formed hip joints. Almost all the muscles that provide movement to the back of the body are attached to them. The ideal angle of inclination of the sacrum is from 27 to 31 degrees. This ensures continuity of impulse transmission to the rear of the body with minimal force.
Anatomical basis hind limbs tibia and shin bones. The impulse of movement largely depends on the angle of connection of these bones. The optimal angle is 120 degrees. At a less obtuse angle, the limb will lose strength. With a dumber one, she will not be able to take a wide enough step. Let's finish with the tail, of course, an element of no less importance. After all, the tail protects the anus and genitals, is a means of canine communication, and during movement it performs most valuable function steering wheel that regulates lateral movements.
The German Shepherd is the most famous and... popular dog of all that exist. Almost every person knows about the existence of a German, his intelligence and devotion. An animal that has been able to combine the warmest character traits and working qualities is a guard, protector, friend and simply a favorite.
- Its history of formation is not simple, it managed to go through many obstacles in the form of war, the destruction of its numbers almost to zero, as well as a new revival and recognition of peace.
Shepherd dogs have worked a lot for people - they herded livestock, protected them from predators, guarded their homes; you couldn’t find a more devoted dog. This is truly an amazing animal to open up to - in person, by letting it into your home and without the fear of leaving it with your children.
The types of German Shepherd do not have colossal differences, there are certain varieties, types of exterior, they are generally similar in character.
German shepherds were famous for their working qualities; in Germany, several dogs lived on each farm, mainly engaged in control over small cattle, security of a person's home.
At the moment when farming came to an end, there was no such need for animals, they began to be kept as pets, and many decided to preserve her service qualities by sending her to serve in the army, on the border of the country.
It just so happened that the farmers did not particularly monitor the animals; they got involved freely and immeasurably, and could look varied in appearance and not always pleasant.
When work began on the purity of breed characteristics, many abandoned this idea and continued to breed dogs based only on external data - there was an opinion that the larger the dog, the better, and appearance as such does not play a role in quality.
Unfortunately, this was not the case - while the dogs were independently breeding and guarding livestock, they acquired many negative qualities, even though they achieved good results in the service, their character was damaged.
Officially, the first person to start improving the Germans was retired Colonel Max Frederic von Stephanitz, who acquired a good male dog and began collecting mates for him throughout the country. He actively promoted the purity of the breed, improving the exterior and working skills, many people, with his encouragement, began to better understand breeding and subtle nuances.
War period
All that was known about the German Shepherd at that time was that they had ideal qualities in guarding and working with livestock; no one considered them as servants or domestic dogs. Everything changed during the war period, when German shepherds showed themselves to be best side at the front.
Max's followers had difficulty keeping the dogs, but did not stop working. They searched for survivors throughout the country and beyond, trying to maximize the population and selecting the best representatives.
Why actually German
Breeds of dogs such as the German Shepherd speak about their history already in the name. Translated from German, “shepherd” is a dog that watches sheep; later it was added with a prefix indicating its historical homeland.
Breeding in Russia
The German Shepherd has gone through a difficult journey; in pre-war times, a number of dogs were sent to the country that were supposed to be used in official work, to put it mildly - they were mostly dogs with clear signs tribal marriage.
During the Second World War they were destroyed, and the bad reputation of everything German forced people to abandon animals completely. Fortunately, some lovers still preserved a few shepherd dogs. But unfortunately, at that time there were no high-quality elms, and the country was not in the best position.
- At the end of the 80s, the opportunity arose to bring real, purebred Germans, the value of them decreased, and the possibility of importing provided new blood for breeding. Soviet dog handlers in large quantities They began to import shepherd dogs from Germany and started restoring the breed.
The German Shepherd became a favorite again, the negativity disappeared, it began to appear in families and among law enforcement officials. It took dog handlers about 22 years to fully develop after the Second World War.
Description and standard
The German Shepherd acquired its description of the breed only in 1991, the standard has changed over the years, brought to ideal, acceptable indicators, but has not suffered significant changes.
Males and females have a clear external difference based on gender, the female is more miniature, and the males are predominantly powerful, heavy and large. Girls are more mobile, but less bulky, which allows them to have the greatest speed, while they are more often taken into the service, due to their better obedience.
- Height at the withers and weight for an adult male German Shepherd: 58 - 67 cm, 35 - 45 kg;
- Female: 53 - 62 cm, weight - 25 - 35 kg.
- Head: powerful, wedge-shaped. Wide forehead, erect ears, hard cartilage. The ears have a black edging, along with the earlobes. The frontal bones of the skull protrude slightly, the dividing groove is not pronounced.
- Jaw: powerful, elongated, proportional. The lips fit tightly and have full color. The bite is correct, scissor-shaped. The teeth are large and complete.
- Body: heavy boned, powerful, large-type body, elongated, smooth transition into the line of the tail from the loin. The back is not short, it goes down a little, forming an angle.
- Neck: powerful with good muscles, not short, wide.
- Chest: developed, oval. The shoulder is not short, but straight.
- Limbs, paws: straight, without inversion, parallel to each other, with good muscles. The hindquarters are much stronger, the thigh is wide. The shoulder and shoulder blade are almost the same length, the tail is saber-shaped in a free state - at the level of the hock joint. The paws are compressed into a tight ball, the claws are strong and black. Movements are not constrained, fast.
There should be no folds on the body, predominantly dry muscles, color strictly according to the standard. Deviations do not mean that the dog is unable to live full life, but difficulties are possible.
German Shepherd - does not meet the standard and description of the breed, cannot participate in exhibitions or breeding, the following defects include:
- Short loin;
- Slanted croup;
- Long shoulder;
- Extended lower back;
- Tail crease;
- Don't paint over it;
- Deviations from the standard in height, along the lower limits;
- Absence of testicles in the scrotum in male dogs;
- No mask on the face;
- Misalignment of the jaw, incorrect bite;
- Inverted paws;
- Insufficiently strong skeleton;
- Short neck;
- Deviations mental nature- aggressiveness, cowardice.
Many of the representatives do not have a typical color, but are harmoniously built in appearance; they are usually not allowed for breeding, but if the deviations are not significant, then they can be improved with well-planned mating. For each breeder, the categorical choice of breeding females and males is different.
The German Shepherd has its own weight, which is most comfortable for it; if the animal gains excess weight, problems with the joints and spine begin; these are fairly light dogs, despite their external power.
Varieties
The German Shepherd - during its history, has collected many types of foreign blood, some remained in high esteem, others were preferred to be removed from breeding. At the moment, there is Various types, which exist within the same breed and are varieties, not individuals.
- West German is the basis of the breed, ideal parameters according to the standard.
- East German - larger in build, appeared after the Second World War.
- Belarusian - black, exclusively for service. The color is only dark, black if you like. The largest German Shepherds can reach 85 cm at the withers.
- Longhair - has no official recognition, but is widespread and beloved among fanciers, sold under the guise of an Old German representative.
- Miniature, dwarf - not a separate category, has a more miniature size that does not reach the standard, and is no different from ordinary Germans, except for size. Performance characteristics and basic character traits are fully preserved.
Color
Wool has dense structure hair, with good undercoat, shedding occurs 2 times a year. Color can vary, the gray German Shepherd is the most common of all.
The German Shepherd and its species are divided into smooth-haired individuals and long-haired ones, which differ long hair. For all representatives, the thickness of the body is almost the same, but on the neck, hind and front legs, and tail - it should be slightly longer and furrier
Mini German Shepherds of zonal color look very attractive.
Black color for a German Shepherd is the most preferable.
A variety of colors from black-gold, smoky, gray-blue and yellow, deep brown and ash-gray. Dogs that resemble a wolf in color, gray-blue with black, look very beautiful.
The German beauty is a standard type, exclusively short-haired, although representatives can be found with different lengths.
Character
The character of all German Shepherds is a gift to humans. There is no more devoted and smart dog, capable of becoming a family favorite. Possession of such qualities as: vigilance without aggression, understanding a person on an emotional level, obedience, lack of stubbornness, achievement of a set goal - made her one of the best representatives in the canine world.
Possessing a sharp mind and good memory, she is able to remember great amount different teams. He always tries to please his owner and has a hard time when he is angry or dissatisfied.
- I'm glad for his attention and loves games. She is friendly and sociable, does not show excessive intrusiveness, sincerely respects and loves.
The German Shepherd is predominantly a boy and has a tendency to dominate, so problems may arise. conflict situations with other males.
- An active dog that requires good physical exercise, developing programs of an intellectual nature.
Excellent guards who are always ready. At the same time, dogs do not have the peculiarity of showing aggression, but they are capable of making independent decisions without the presence of a person.
- They have a hard time with the absence of their owner and may feel sad. They have an instructive attitude towards acquaintances and family friends, and calmly accept new people and animals into the ranks of loved ones.
Easily adapt to different conditions life and climate. They are emotionally stable, but sometimes, if there is not enough communication or walking, they can behave extremely excitedly.
Compatibility with small children
German Shepherd - true friend and the child, is not capable of causing pain and showing aggression. The only thing worth remembering is that small children may often not fully realize that they are causing inconvenience to the dog.
Initially, it is necessary to explain to the baby what can be done with the animal and what should be abandoned. At first, when the puppy is growing, it is important to form a relationship so that the pet understands - small man, this is also his master.
The best option There will be a training program with a professional, where you can learn how to properly handle a dog. After the dog grows up, it can be safely left with the baby.
The intellectual abilities of a German require constant maintenance from the owner; educational games, intuition tasks, and search games are suitable.
There are educational toys special for dogs when they need to find something or express themselves in some action.
Training and education
The German Shepherd is often a girl, more persistent in training, and shows stubbornness. Males are more submissive and feel the superiority of a person.
- You should start raising a puppy from 2.5 - 3 one month old, if you don’t miss this moment, you will achieve certain results in your training.
Training begins with learning the simple commands “sit” “come to me” “no”, it takes no more than 20 minutes a day, the little puppy will get very tired. Use food, cheese, sticks, and treats as encouragement.
As you increase your workload with age, the best option would be to go through a training program with a specialist. Alternate training with games, giving your pet the opportunity to switch gears and release energy.
You should not use force or shout at the dog, he may get scared and not understand what you want from him.
This is an ideal service dog - there are no problems with training. Dangerous opponents in the fight, calm homes surrounded by loved ones.
Care and maintenance
Not only the quality of life, but also its duration depends on competent care and good maintenance. IN general care It’s not complicated, the main thing is to constantly take the time and properly organize the vaccination regimen, nutrition, and physical activity.
Preparing a home for a pet
The size for a German Shepherd of its place should be free, allowing it to fit freely and completely lie down in it. Soft bedding is suitable; some owners give dogs an entire corner of the apartment.
- Before the puppy arrives, remove all wires and things that can be taken from the floor. If you remove small objects, the puppy may swallow them. Don't leave shoes on the floor.
The baby will need toys, bowls and food. It is better to purchase toys from a harder material; soft ones will quickly become unusable. Prepare a place, shampoos, a dog clipper, a collar and a leash.
Toilet
Toilet training a puppy is required from 2-3 months. First accustom him to a collar and leash, otherwise there will be problems. It is not enough for a child to just go outside, he must understand that doing his business there is good. Wait until the puppy is going to the toilet and praise him, you can give him a treat. Moreover, if he goes to the toilet at home, scold him.
- Take the baby out strictly at a certain time - 5-6 times a day. If this is not possible, leave disposable diapers and take them out in the morning and evening.
Female and male German Shepherds are much more active than other animals; they need to be bred for a long time, allowing them to get plenty of exercise and play in freedom.
Nutrition
While the puppy is growing, the German Shepherd requires good and balanced diet. The best option would be premium food, which allows the puppy to get everything essential microelements in the right quantity.
Development in a German Shepherd puppy occurs quickly, it is important to increase the portion in a timely manner, otherwise there will be poor weight and microelements.
Feed babies in small portions 3-4 times a day, gradually increasing the amount and decreasing the frequency. Adult dog eat 2 times a day. There must be constant access to fresh drinking water.
What not to give:
- Tubular bones;
- Sweet, fried, salty, spicy;
- Bread and sugar;
- Fat meat;
- Table scraps.
If the dog is on natural nutrition: give once a week sea fish, dairy products (kefir, cottage cheese, cheese, fermented baked milk), low-fat meat daily (chicken, veal, beef, turkey), fruits and vegetables should be fresh.
Food should be only one type, that is, if the dog eats food, then there is no need to give him anything else. But if the animal eats natural products, you will have to choose not only a diet, but also purchase mineral complexes, Vitamins.
Diseases and health
All German Shepherds have good immunity and excellent health, but there is some predisposition to diseases at the genetic level:
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, joints;
- Diseases of the organs of vision;
- Allergy;
- Joint dysplasia;
- Gastrointestinal diseases.
Life expectancy at good care And proper nutrition up to 15 years, sometimes more.
Height and weight are important for a German Shepherd; excess weight can provoke various diseases joints. Helps reduce activity.
In order to know for sure that the baby is developing correctly, monitor the puppy’s weight according to the table of weight and height of the German Shepherd by month. Weigh your pet regularly.
How to choose a puppy
Initially, find out as much information as possible about the parents, study the pedigree, look at the mother's diseases and look at the bitch's litters. Decide on a breeder in advance and look at the babies.
Shepherd puppies are delivered to a new owner at 2-3 months, with a full set of vaccinations.
Kids should be active, inquisitive, and not hide in a corner or hide. They are funny and cute, a little like chubby bear cubs.
How much does a puppy cost?
The cost starts from 25 thousand for a pet category puppy, show class - from 30 thousand rubles. The more awards and titles the parents have, the more expensive the puppy is; if his parents are world champions, then get ready to pay about 1000 euros.
Babies that are not planned to be used in further breeding, but are given away as pets, are much more expensive than brothers and sisters.
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