Are German shepherd dogs good companions and good family pets?
Absolutely! The German shepherd dog is one of the most intelligent breeds in the world. They can make a perfect family companion and have the natural instinct to protect their pack. Interestingly, a German shepherd puppy can be the most amazing companion for your kids as they all grow up together. One thing has to be kept in the forefront of your mind – let Fido know that the human members of the family are the “Alpha” members, and Fido is the ‘Omega’ member of the pack.
What is “Socialization?” Why is it essential to socialize German shepherds from a very young age?
To SOCIALIZE your German shepherd means to expose him/her to the wide range of outdoor experiences. These includes meeting with strangers of all ages and getting pampered by them. Get your German shepherd puppy SOCIALIZED to people of all complexions, races, and genders. SOCIALIZING also includes meeting with other dogs and animals. SOCIALIZING also includes exposing him/her to a wide range of sounds like car horns, crackers, thunder clashes, etc. Start socializing your puppy at a very young age – from three to four months. SOCIALIZATION should start at the age of 12 to 14 weeks of age. Socializing is important because that increases the dog’s confidence level, reducing the chance of the dog becoming a shy canine companion. A shy or fearful dog usually becomes aggressively devastating… a nightmare!
What is the life expectancy of a German shepherd dog?
10 to 13 years of age is the maximum expected life span of a well maintained German shepherd dog. An Alsatian dog reaches his “middle-age” between 5 and 7 years old, and “geriatric” at around 10 years of age.
Should I get a male or female?
The choice is yours but don’t forget to take into consideration certain points. Males are usually much more territorial than females. Females are generally much more pack protective. Males are usually more powerful than females. Females Germans are less stubborn. Bottom line is… if trained properly, there’s pretty much no difference between the two genders; both can make wonderful family dogs.
What are the general inherent traits in a well bred German shepherd dog?
German shepherd dogs are very intelligent, and are naturally herding and working dogs. To herd and to please their master is their natural inherent instinct. If you have a German shepherd dog or if you have seen one, I am sure you have seen the dog leading his owner, giving occasional backward glances to ensure if things are right with the owner. A German shepherd dog “follows ahead” his handler. Alsatians are naturally protective, loyal and intelligent, with a sound nose, which makes the dog a worthy police dog and tracking dog. They are royal, calm, and have a sound nerve, which stimulates their protective instinct. Their high degree of intelligence can sometimes be a nightmare, if not well-trained. In the hand of a novice person, a well-bred German shepherd dog can be difficult to manage due to his smartness and intelligence. Also don’t miss reading 5 Basic Instincts of German shepherd dogs.
What to look for while purchasing a German shepherd puppy?
So many factors! First: Is GSD the right breed for you? Second: Does the breeder have a genuine grip on the subject of breeding? Third: Check out the dam and the sire of the puppies. Make sure that none of them are dysplastic. Remember ‘Hip Dysplasia’ is a polygenic disease… (caused by the genetic combination that may not show up in any of the previous litter(s)). It is hence required to study the parental lineage of the dogs bred to see if there’s any specimen with Dysplasia within five generations, for both the dam and the sire. Fourth: Don’t purchase a puppy from the breeders who emphasize more on the “oversize and big-boned” progenitors. The German shepherd dog is a technical breed – remember: ‘Bigger’s not always better.’ Fifth: Make sure the female dog was well-fed and well-maintained during the time of her pregnancy. Sixth: Make sure the puppies were given enough care since their birth.
How big does a German shepherd get?
The German shepherd breed standard states that the males should be 60 cm to 65 cm at the wither and should weigh from 30 kg to 40 kg. The females should be 55 cm to 60 cm tall at the wither and weigh around 22 kg – 32 kg
I see ZW mentioned aganist the dog’s name. What does that stand for?
The abbreviation of ZW stands for the German word Zuchtwert.
Zuchtwert translates into the English term “breed value.”
A ZW number reflects a dog’s individual breed value. This was created to be able to more reliably estimate a chance of hip displasia in puppies coming from a certain mating. It is established by
1) The dog’s pedigree and therefore the values of the dogs in his pedigree,
2) His own health ratings (A-1,2,3 ) hips
3) His litter mates’ hip ratings
4) His and his litter mates’ offspring
Thus this number might slightly vary from time to time. If new offspring has been evaluated, it can either decrease the number (which makes it better) or increase the number (which makes it worse)
The lower the number, the better the dog’s breed value. In pairings, the combined numbers of two breeding partners should never exceed 200. The lower the added number, the better the chance that the offspring will be healthy.
The average is reflected by the number 100. So, to combine two dogs through a breeding that both have 100, the outcome will be the average measured on current results within the dogs in the database. Since every one should strive to make things better, we should breed two dogs that are better than average (number less than 100 each).
The ZW number is to be researched/observed in the data base of the SV (German Shepherd dog Club in Germany-Verein fuer Deutsche Schaferhunde.)
What is the appropriate age for a German shepherd puppy to be picked?
Rule of thumb is puppies are to be weaned at around 6 to 8 weeks of age, but the period following weaning is very important, because they start to learn ‘PACK’ behavior. At the age of 8 weeks the puppies become smart enough to leave the litter mates.
How big will the German shepherd puppy be when matured?
It largely depends on the genetic configuration of the dam and sire. According to the International Standard, an adult male shepherd is 24 to 26 inches; and for bitches, 22 to 24 inches at the wither. A relaxation of 0.99 inches over and under the standard is permissible. GSDs are longer rather than taller. The desirable proportion of the length(L) : height (H) = 10 : 8.5. Remember, the length is measured from the “Pro Sernum Point” until the rear edge of the Pelvis.
Until what age will the German shepherd puppy continue to grow?
A well fed, well maintained GSD pup reaches close to the adult size by 10 to 12 months. But their bodies will continue to develop and fill out until he or she reaches the age of 3 years. Beware of fast growing puppies. Statistical ‘correlation coefficient’ is high in correlation studies of faster growth rate and Hip or Elbow Dysplasia. Low growth is not desirable either. Experience speaks again, when it comes to recognizing a puppy with a desirable growth rate.
What precautionary measures should be taken for a GSD puppy?
A lot! Some of the prime points are:
Immunization – right vaccine at the right time.
Socializing your puppy and exposing the puppy to varied range of experiences. Your puppy can develop what is called “Adolescent Shyness” at the age of 4 to 5 months, which can last until 12 to 19 months. Proper socialization is hence necessary.
General Obedience Training – cute behavior of a 10 pounds lovely little pooch may give you pleasure, but eventually it turns really dangerous with a 75 pound adult shepherd.
Proper House Keeping – keep stuff like chocolate, mothballs (naphthalene balls), insecticides, onions, and plants like cactus and poinsettias out of reach.
Cautious Feeding and Exercising – GSDs tend to be gulpers. Heavy exercise (any type of physical exhaustion) immediately before and after meals may be fatal sometimes. Bloat or Gastric Torsion is dangerous.
What is the sign of Bloat?
Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a common problem in deep chested breeds… GSD is one among them. The abdomen becomes distended, and the dog can’t belch or pass gas, leading to stomach twist. This is a condition that requires immediate action.
What is the sign of Bloat?
Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a common problem in deep chested breeds… GSD is one among them. The abdomen becomes distended, and the dog can’t belch or pass gas, leading to stomach twist. This is a condition that requires immediate action.
When will the ears stand erect?
As early as 8 to 10 weeks of age. But do not be concerned if the ears don’t stand until 7 months of age. Puppies with larger ears stand late, but sometimes ears do not stand. These are called “Soft Ears,” which is a genetic trait.
Are German shepherds easy to train?
GSDs are amongst the most intelligent breed of the world. Unlike many other breeds, they eagerly enjoy training sessions and easily learn new things. But GSDs have more dominant personalities that make them a bit more stubborn at times. Training those shepherds becomes little tedious. A GSD who thinks he is the Alpha member of the pack is tougher to train.
What is the difference between a German shepherd dog and an Alsatian?
German Shepherds and Alsatian dogs are the same. There is a wide spread misconception that German shepherds and Alsatian dogs are different, but they are the same breed. Please check out the history of German shepherd dog names.
What are the different GSD breed line types?
The growing popularity of GSD breed consequently led to the creation of a wide array of bloodlines and types throughout the world. There are basically three major types of lines prevailing across the world, which are:
Working lines – Bred primarily for higher drives, hardness, and their working ability, thereby putting less stress on their appearance.
Höh Zucht Leine (High Breeding lines) – Fulfills closest the promise of the perfect German shepherd as described by the breed standard. These dogs have a very balanced temperament and are mostly capable of competing in trials, running in shows, and have the temperament to be the ultimate family companion, as well.
North American showlines – These are bred for their appearance, although they noticeably different from the FCI breed standards. They have a very long, loose back, accompanied by excessively exaggerated hock angulation. The dogs also have a lot of health problems and severe temperament problems due to extreme in-breeding.
The working lines and show lines have again been categorized into various types. The German shepherds working types are East German (“DDR”) working type, West German working type, and Eastern European (“Czech/Slovak”) working type.
The German shepherds show lines are West German show lines (high breeding lines), and North American show line.
Is it a rule of thumb to use the word “dog” in the name of the breed? Many other breed does have the word “dog” suffixed with the name, for instance Golden Retriever, Great Dane, Pomeranian!
It’s not a rule to use the word “dog” in the name of the breed. Quite often, you say German shepherds instead of German shepherd dogs. As a matter of fact, the German name of the breed is “Deustche Schaferhund,” the English translation of which is “German Shepherd Dog.” The word “dog” is in fact an integral part of the breed’s name.
What is Pyometra in the German shepherd? Information about the condition and cause.
Pyometra is a uterine disorders in dogs (irrespective of breed). The abnormal uterus of the dog gets infected, accompanied by an accumulation of pus. Pyometra is actually a chronic ailment in female dogs, although it may appear acute. Pyometra usually develops slowly over a long span of time, without showing any clinical evidences.
Symptoms – First stage:
Development of cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH), which is an abnormality of the uterine lining of the dog. With the repeated heat cycle, this abnormality gets worse, and becomes noticeable until the condition deteriorates to a great extent.
Cause that worsens the condition:
Once the uterus gets infected, it gets more infected easily. Normally the dog’s vagina is not sterile, and the cervix that connects the vagina and uterus remains closed in normal situations. The cervix gets opened when the female is in heat. This allows bacteria (commonly E.coli) to move into the uterine region from the vagina. After the heat period is over, the cervix closes up and bacteria gets trapped within the uterus, which worsen up the uterine infection.
Age:
Female dogs of and over 5 to 6 years of age are prone to Pyometra.
Clinical Symptoms:
On maturity, the symptoms of pyometra includes depression, lack of appetite, occassional vomiting, and heavy water intake, frequent urination, and discharge of pus through vaginal passage. Quite often in older females the fluid becomes purrulent even without bacteria being found on testing.
Cure:
Most vets recommend ovariohysterectomy as the best treatment for canine pyometra. Vets will suggest the best antibiotics to treat canine pyometra.
What are the different GSD breed line types?
The growing popularity of GSD breed consequently led to the creation of a wide array of bloodlines and types throughout the world. There are basically three major types of lines prevailing across the world, which are:
Working lines – Bred primarily for higher drives, hardness, and their working ability, thereby putting less stress on their appearance.
Höh Zucht Leine (High Breeding lines) – Fulfills closest the promise of the perfect German shepherd as described by the breed standard. These dogs have a very balanced temperament and are mostly capable of competing in trials, running in shows and have the temperament to be the ultimate family companion, as well.
North American showlines – These are bred for their appearance, although they noticeably different from the FCI breed standards. They have a very long, loose back, accompanied by excessively exaggerated hock angulation. The dogs also have a lot of health problems and severe temperament problems due to extreme in-breeding.
The working lines and show lines have again been categorized into various types. The German shepherds working types are East German (“DDR”) working type, West German working type and Eastern European (“Czech/Slovak”) working type.
The German shepherds show lines are West German show lines (high breeding lines), and North American show line.
My GSD has loose pasterns. What causes this and how to correct it?
Loose pasterns could be found in German shepherd puppies with incorrect nutrition or excessive weight. German shepherd puppies should not be overfed, and proportionate doses of protein, vitamins, minerals and calcium should be maintained. On the other hand, puppies from over angulated bloodlines may show overly angulated pastern, which apparently seems to be loose pasterns. Take care of the dogs’ food; consult a vet; check out the combination. Notice the protein level, which should be at least 20% to 24% for the dogs with loose pasterns. Vitamin B12,Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Phosphorus Calcium and Selenium/Magnesium are must. Avoid heavy feeding and plan a repeated feeding at an interval of 4 to 5 hours. Limit the exercise. Be patient, treatment may take some time before your puppy gets back to normal. You can overcome loose pasterns in German shepherd dogs with the correct treatment, correct food type, patience and time.
What are the different GSD breed line types?
The growing popularity of GSD breed consequently led to the creation of a wide array of bloodlines and types throughout the world. There are basically three major types of lines prevailing across the world, which are:
Working lines – Bred primarily for higher drives, hardness, and their working ability, thereby putting less stress on their appearance.
Höh Zucht Leine (High Breeding lines) – Fulfills closest the promise of the perfect German shepherd as described by the breed standard. These dogs have a very balanced temperament and are mostly capable of competing in trials, running in shows and have the temperament to be the ultimate family companion, as well.
North American showlines – These are bred for their appearance, although they noticeably different from the FCI breed standards. They have a very long, loose back, accompanied by excessively exaggerated hock angulation. The dogs also have a lot of health problems and severe temperament problems due to extreme in-breeding.
The working lines and show lines have again been categorized into various types. The German shepherds working types are East German (“DDR”) working type, West German working type and Eastern European (“Czech/Slovak”) working type.
The German shepherds show lines are West German show lines (high breeding lines), and North American show line.
Where should I purchase my German shepherd from?
A German shepherd puppy should only be purchased from a reputable breeder who knows what what he/she is doing. Please check for pedigrees and the health and the temperament of the parents, as it could very well be how your puppy turns out. Make sure they come from German bloodlines and are free from inbreeding (which could cause severe health problems.) Also, take note of the hip and elbow status of the parents and their working titles, breed surveys, etc.
What should I feed my German shepherd?
Always try and feed your dog a good balanced and nutritious diet, with premium dog foods and RAW foods, which include chicken, beef, eggs and vegetables (carrots, broccoli, beets etc.)
How much exercise does a German shepherd need?
The German shepherd is an active breed and thrives on activity. It is also an extremely versatile breed. So, no matter where you live, whether it’s a house with a big yard or a town house, as long as you can take your dog out to the park for a run or a quick game of fetch on a regular basis, your German shepherd will thrive.
How much does a pedigreed German shepherd of good quality cost?
Breeding quality and healthy German shepherds from the high breeding lines is a lot of hard work. The quality of the puppies reflects this hard work and the dedication we put into our dogs. A typical puppy from our breeding usually costs anywhere between $5,000 – $7,500.
How much are titled adults?
They range between $5,000 (retiring adults) $7,500 to $30,000 depending on titles and can go from $40K to $80K for American VA dogs. For top German titled imports, you will need to email us with your exact needs then we will be able to quote you a price. Please keep in mind these prices will be quoted in the Euro dollar.
How much is it to ship a puppy?
$350.00 and up within USA and $1800 and up for International flights.
We at Wüstenberger-Land German shepherds are passionate about breeding the world’s finest German shepherd dogs and German shepherd puppies available – period! How is this done? First, learning over many years what bloodlines go together well. We have had our mother line for several years and have bred them to what we know works best to produce the finest. We are now breeding some of the world’s most sought after German shepherds.
We believe in breeding to the “German Standard” set fourth by the German SV, over one hundred years ago. All Wüstenberger-Land breedings will be done to the highest standard!
Sires must be Schutzhund III (work title), breed survey to a Kore Klass 1(highest level recommend by German SV for breeding with outstanding confirmation, temperament and workability), with no less than a Fast Normal Hip rating or OFA Good. Dams must be at least a Schutzhund II (work title), breed survey to a Kore Klass 1, with no less than a Fast Normal Hip rating or OFA Good.
All breeding is done exclusively from German shepherds with German VA or High V in show. Please make sure you are purchasing a German bloodline shepherd dog or puppy breed to this standard. If not, then please consider going to your local rescue, as this is where some dogs/pups that were not bred to the world standard end up.
If you have any more questions, we will be happy to answer them. Thank you for your interest in Wustenberger-Land German shepherds.