Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder

At an exhibition of dogs in 1899, Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that was perfect for his vision for the breed. He bought him and renamed Horand von Grafrath.

The breed standard states that the hind angulation must be in line with the front angulation and to prevent over-angulation. Unfortunately this has lead to an inclined back conformation in many show-strain dogs.

Reputable Breeders

It's important to choose a reliable breeder when it comes to purchasing purebred German Shepherds. Breeders with a good reputation can provide you with a detailed pedigree and health clearances that can help you make an informed choice about the ideal German Shepherd for your home. They'll also be able to provide you with valuable information on the breed and answer any questions you may have.

Reputable German Shepherd Breeders are committed to bringing out litters of the highest quality that have sound grandparents and parents. They also ensure genetic soundness in their dogs by screening them for common ailments and conditions like hip dysplasia. This helps to prevent the spread of this painful and debilitating condition in their breeding stock, while also ensuring that the puppies they sell have healthy, happy lives with their new owners.

Breeders often specialize in certain areas of the breed, such as Schutzhund for service work or Schutzhund for sport. This allows them to recruit the most reputable parents and provide their pups with an ideal genetic background for this specific task. This ensures that every puppy in a particular litter has the appropriate personality, drive and physical traits to excel in the role they are meant to play.

A reputable German Shepherd Breeder will also spend a lot of time training their dogs. A good breeder will be able to demonstrate the skills of their dogs and discuss how they are used to safeguard and serve their families and communities. A trustworthy German Shepherd Breeder will have certified dog trainers and a trained staff.

The final quality to look for is a breeder's dedication to the advancement and conservation of the breed. This is evident in their commitment to the breeding as well as the care and training of their dogs, as well as participation in events like trials and shows. These activities enable them to objectively evaluate and select breeding stock, and they also help promote the well-being of their dogs by giving seminars and writing articles.

The reputation of a breeder is ultimately based on the ability to breed dogs of high quality that meet or surpass the standards set forth by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder fails to meet this standard, it will eventually affect their reputation.

Health Clearances

A responsible breeder will conduct health screenings on both parents prior breeding to mitigate the risk of hereditary diseases. Ask the breeder if results of the tests are certified. A reputable breeder should also have their pedigrees of their dogs readily available.

German Shepherds are at risk of hereditary health conditions, including elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible will test their dogs for these and other ailments, provide adequate nutrition and exercise, and provide continuous guidance and support to ensure the health and well-being of their puppies.

German Shepherds, along with other large breeds of dogs are susceptible to hemolytic anemia. This is a condition that occurs when red blood cells break more quickly than normal. This condition can lead to weakness dizziness, fatigue as well as lightheadedness and feeling of fatigue. It can also trigger nausea, fever and vomiting. Fortunately hemolytic anemia can be treated by prescription medications and other treatments.

Cancer is a different common inherited disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can manifest as tumors in the skin or inside organs and is usually treated with radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.

German Shepherds may also suffer from an inflammatory bowel disease. It's a condition that causes abdominal pain and diarrhea, and weight loss and other symptoms.

Degenerative joint diseases are another common musculoskeletal problem that can affect German Shepherds. It's caused by the wear and tear of joints over time, which can cause discomfort or even arthritis. Weight loss, exercise restriction and joint protection supplements are common treatments for joint problems.

A genetic disorder known as degenerative myelopathy can be a progressive spinal cord disease that affects all breeds including German Shepherds. This disease is more common in white dogs and can be caused by two "carriers" that are crossed. However, this disease is still being researched and the DM test is not required to receive a CHIC identification number through OFA.

Socialization

German Shepherds are incredibly protective in nature, which is something that owners admire. If the GSD is not properly socialized with people and other dogs, its natural instincts can be an issue. This can lead to excessive protection, which could include biting and barking. The best way to avoid this issue is to make sure that the puppy has had lots of exposure to various people, dogs, environments and experiences during the critical socialization period of 3-14 weeks.

Most reputable breeders make sure that their puppies are exposed to a range of animals, people, and experiences from the beginning. This is vital for a well-adjusted dog when they become an adult. This is essential for breeds that work and herd, which can be naturally cautious of strangers.

Exposing a puppy to new experiences should be handled carefully, beginning with less intimidating situations and gradually progressing to busier environments. Positive reinforcement, treats and play can be used to motivate a puppy to engage in new experiences.

Exposing the dog to various scents, sounds and environments is also a good idea. This will allow the dog feel more at home in many different environments and aid them in becoming more calm and relaxed.

As a responsible dog-owner, you should be willing to expose your German Shepherd puppy to a variety of new experiences as they grow older. This will help them grow up to be happy, well-adjusted and comfortable people.

German Shepherds are a clever and versatile breed that is versatile and intelligent. They can be used as a pet for the family and police dogs, herding or police dogs, or even service dogs. Genetics play a major influence on a dog's development and temperament, early neurological stimulation and socialization can significantly reduce the likelihood of future behavioral issues. If you're looking for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you find breeders who are dedicated to providing the puppies with the right environment and the right training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a joy to have and will give you years of love and companionship. They are a wonderful choice for families who want an affectionate and trustworthy dog.

Training

German Shepherds are intelligent and versatile dogs that thrive when active. The German Shepherd is highly sought-after for its ability to herd but they excel in many other facets. They are adamant and confident in their pursuit of tasks. This makes them a favorite among security professionals, from local K-9 departments to all branches of the military.

They require a great deal of mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from developing problems such as separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you're interested in getting a German Shepherd you should take an obedience course with an experienced trainer who is specialized in this breed. The trainer can assist you and the dog become an experienced, confident, and well-behaved couple.

German Shepherds have a long history of being bred for certain physical and temperamental characteristics and a high working aptitude. These are the goals of a reputable German Shepherd breeder, which should be the foundation of any discussion you have with the breeder before you purchase puppies. Unfortunately, many breeders forget about these goals and focus more on breeding dogs to appear a particular way or for certain performance qualities. Breeders may only concentrate on breeding dogs with beautiful ears to be awarded at competitions. While there's nothing wrong with that but it's essential to choose a breeder that also focuses on the soundness of the dogs they breed.

This includes hip and arm certificates, as well as the ability to answer inquiries from potential buyers. This is another factor that differentiates good breeders from those who aren't. Breeders who aren't ethical will not bother to answer questions or invest the money needed to answer questions. They either do not bother to answer the question or lie about the answer.

The ideal German Shepherd breeder can offer a puppy with the perfect mix of herding instincts and intelligence and flexibility. By interviewing potential breeders, reviewing health clearances, and locating an expert in training and a trainer, you can be set for a successful relationship with your new German Shepherd.