So what is a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is a German breed of working dog that was first recognised as a breed in 1899, by breeding mixtures of herding dogs. Originally, German Shepherds were used for herding sheep however, now they are found assisting the disabled, in search and rescue, aiding the police, acting as guard dogs and being kept as pets. In the UK, you may hear German Shepherds being called Alsatians this is because after World War 1 Brits didn't feel comfortable calling them ‘German’ Shepherds due to the political implications after the war.
A German Shepherd Dog (GSD) is a German breed of working dog that was first recognised as a breed in 1899, by breeding mixtures of herding dogs. Originally, German Shepherds were used for herding sheep however, now they are found assisting the disabled, in search and rescue, aiding the police, acting as guard dogs and being kept as pets. In the UK, you may hear German Shepherds being called Alsatians this is because after World War 1 Brits didn't feel comfortable calling them ‘German’ Shepherds due to the political implications after the war.
What are the main medical conditions?
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: German Shepherds have a known predisposition to Hip and Elbow dysplasia. This means that the hip joint of growing puppies grows abnormally because the joint is too loose around the ball and socket joint. Ultimately, this leads to the dog developing osteoarthritis in the joints. The dog will be in pain and can lead to a long term disability for the dog.
Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease that affects the spinal cord resulting in hind limb weakness and paralysis. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. In the later stages of the disease progressive weakness and ataxia (wobbling and stumbling) is often observed. There is no affective treatment for DM therefore most people, sadly, end up having to euthanise their dog.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: German Shepherds have a known predisposition to Hip and Elbow dysplasia. This means that the hip joint of growing puppies grows abnormally because the joint is too loose around the ball and socket joint. Ultimately, this leads to the dog developing osteoarthritis in the joints. The dog will be in pain and can lead to a long term disability for the dog.
Degenerative Myelopathy: Degenerative Myelopathy is a disease that affects the spinal cord resulting in hind limb weakness and paralysis. The exact cause of the disease is unknown. In the later stages of the disease progressive weakness and ataxia (wobbling and stumbling) is often observed. There is no affective treatment for DM therefore most people, sadly, end up having to euthanise their dog.