Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
At the 1899 dog show, Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that was perfect for his ideas about the breed. He purchased him and renamed the dog Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard stipulates that hind angulation must match front angulation and avoid over-angulation. This has resulted in a sloped-back conformation in many dogs of show-strains.
Reputable Breeders
When it comes time to purchase purebred German Shepherds, it's crucial to select a reliable breeder. Breeders with a good reputation will be able to provide you with a detailed pedigree and health clearances that will help you make an informed choice on the best German Shepherd for your home. They'll also be able to provide you with valuable information about the breed and answer any questions that you might have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to producing high-quality litters with sound parents and grandparents. They will also be in a position to ensure the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening for common illnesses and diseases, like hip dysplasia. This helps to prevent the spread of this debilitating and painful condition among their breeding stock, while also ensuring that the puppies they sell have healthy, happy lives with their new owners.
A lot of breeders specialize in a specific area of the breed, such as service work or sport Schutzhund. This allows them to recruit the best parents and give their pups an ideal genetic background to serve the specific role. This ensures that each puppy from the particular litter will possess the proper personality, drive and physical characteristics to succeed in the desired role.
Another aspect to look for in a reliable German Shepherd breeder is the amount of time they spend training their dogs. A good breeder should be able to demonstrate the abilities of his dogs and explain how they protect and serve families and communities. A reliable German Shepherd breeder will also have certified, trained dog trainers on staff.
The final trait to look for in a reliable German shepherd breeder is commitment to the advancement and preservation of the breed. This is evidenced by their dedication to breeding and training of their dogs as well as their involvement in shows and trials. These activities enable them to objectively evaluate and select breeding stock, and they also promote the well-being of their dogs by offering seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder is ultimately based on the ability to breed dogs of superior quality that meet or surpass the standards set by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder fails to maintain this standard, it eventually will impact their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders will conduct health screenings for both parents prior to breeding in order to reduce the risk of hereditary disease. Ask the breeder if the results of the screenings are verified. A reputable breeder should have the pedigrees of their dogs available for viewing.
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will check their puppies for these conditions and others, provide nutrition and exercise and offer continuous guidance and support to ensure their well-being.
Hemolytic anemia is a condition that causes red blood cells are destroyed faster than they should and is common in German Shepherds as well as other large breed dogs. This condition can lead to weakness dizziness, fatigue lightheadedness, and lack of energy. It can also trigger nausea, fever and vomiting. Fortunately, hemolytic anemia is treatable by prescription medication as well as other treatments.
Cancer is a different common inherited disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can appear as skin tumors or in internal organs and is typically treated with chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel disease is another common condition that can occur in German Shepherds. It's a condition that triggers diarrhea and abdominal pain and weight loss and other signs.
German Shepherds may also be affected by degenerative joint diseases. It's the result of wear and tear that occurs on joints over time which can result in discomfort or even arthritis. Treatment for joint issues typically includes weight loss, exercise restrictions and joint protection supplements and other medication.
A genetic disorder dubbed degenerative myelopathy can be a progressive spinal cord disease that can affect various breeds, including German Shepherds. This disease is more prevalent in white dogs, and it is possible to develop when two "carriers" of the gene are bred together. However, this disease is still being researched and therefore a DM test is not required for a dog to be issued a CHIC number through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds have a protective nature, which is something that owners admire. If a GSD has not been appropriately socialized with other dogs and other dogs, its instincts can become a problem. It can result in overprotection, which can include barking and biting. It is important to make sure that your puppy has had exposure to a variety of different people or dogs, and situations and situations during its crucial period of socialization between 3-14 weeks.
Most breeders who are reputable ensure that their puppies are exposed to a variety of animals, people, and experiences early on. This is vital for a well-adjusted dog when they become an adult. This is essential for breeds that are herding and working that are naturally suspicious of strangers.
Experimenting with new situations should be gradual, starting in less intimidating environments and gradually moving to more crowded ones. Positive reinforcement, treats, and even play can be used to motivate a puppy to take part in new experiences.
Exposing the dog to various sights, smells and sounds is also a good idea. This will make your dog feel at ease in a variety settings and make them more calm and relaxed.
As a responsible dog owner you should be prepared to spend lots of time exposing your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it grows. This will enable them to be happy and well-adjusted adult.
German Shepherds are an extremely intelligent and adaptable breed with a wide range of uses. They can be used as family pets, service dogs and even herding or police dogs. While genetics plays a large part in the development of a dog's and temperament, early stimulation of the brain and socialization can significantly reduce the risk of future behavioral problems. If you're in the market for purebred German Shepherd, be sure to choose a reliable breeder that is committed to giving their puppies the right environment and training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a joy to have and will give you years of love and companionship. They are a great option for families with active children who want a loyal and loving dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent multi-faceted dogs that thrive on being active. The breed is sought-after for their herding abilities, but they excel in a variety other tasks. They are confident and nimble in their pursuit of tasks which makes them popular with security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military throughout the world.
They require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to prevent issues such as hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you're considering purchasing a German Shepherd, you should think about taking an obedience class with a professional trainer that specializes in this breed. The trainer will be able to help you and the dog become confident, well-trained and well-behaved couple.
German Shepherds have a long history of being bred to have certain physical and temperamental traits as well as a superior working ability. These are the main goals of a reputable German Shepherd breeder, which should be the foundation of any discussion with the breeder before you purchase a puppy. Unfortunately, many German Shepherd breeders forget about these goals and concentrate on breeding dogs with a certain look or performance. For example a breeder might focus on producing dogs with beautiful ears in order that they can be awarded in competitions. While there's Süßer Deutscher Schäferhund with that but it's essential to choose a breeder that is also focused on the soundness of the dogs they breed.
This includes hip and arm certifications, as well as a willingness to respond to inquiries from potential buyers. This is a different method to differentiate between reputable breeders and unethical ones. Unscrupulous breeders aren't likely to invest the time or expense to answer a question and so they either ignore it or lie about the answer.
The right German Shepherd breeder will offer an animal that has the perfect mix of herding instincts and intelligence. By conducting interviews with potential breeders, evaluating health clearances, and finding a training specialist you can be set to have a positive relationship with your new German Shepherd.