Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
Von Stephanitz saw at a dog show, in 1899, a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that matched his vision of the breed. He purchased him and renamed him Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard states that hind angulation must match front angulation and avoid over-angulation. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a sloped back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
It's important to choose a reputable breeder when purchasing purebred German Shepherds. Reputable breeders can provide you with detailed pedigrees and health clearances that can help you make an informed choice on the most suitable German Shepherd for your home. They will also provide you with valuable information on the German Shepherd breed, and will be able to answer any questions you might have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to delivering high-quality litters with sound parents and grandparents. They will also be able to guarantee the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening for common ailments and diseases, like hip dysplasia. This helps to prevent the spread of this painful and debilitating condition among their breeding stock, and also ensures that the puppies they offer will enjoy a healthy, enjoyable life with their new owners.
A lot of breeders specialize in a specific breed, such as service work or sport Schutzhund. They can then choose the best parents to give their pups the genetic background they require for that particular purpose. This ensures each puppy in the particular litter will possess the proper temperament, drive and physical characteristics to succeed in the job they're destined to do.
A reliable German Shepherd Breeder will also spend many hours working with their dogs. A good breeder must be able to demonstrate the abilities of his dogs and explain how they protect and serve families as well as communities. A trustworthy German Shepherd breeder will also have certified, trained dog trainers on staff.
The final quality to look for is a breeder's dedication to the advancement and protection of the breed. This is demonstrated by their dedication to the breeding as well as the care and training of their dogs as along with their participation in activities like shows and trials. These activities enable them to assess their dog's performance objectively and select breeding stock and they also promote the welfare of their dogs through providing seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder is based on the capacity to produce dogs of high quality that exceed or meet the standards established by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder does not meet this standard it will eventually impact their reputation.
Health Clearances
A responsible breeder will perform health screenings on both parents before breeding to reduce the risk of inheritable diseases. Ask the breeder about the results of these screenings and whether or not they are certified. A reputable breeder will have the pedigrees of their dog readily accessible for viewing.
German Shepherds are susceptible of elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will test for these and other diseases ensure proper nutrition and exercise, and offer continuous support and guidance to ensure the well-being of their pups.
German Shepherds, along with other large breeds of dogs are prone to hemolytic anemia. This condition is caused when red blood cells break more quickly than normal. This condition can lead to weakness dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness, and a lack of energy. It can also cause fever, nausea, and vomiting. Fortunately hemolytic anemia is treatable by prescription medication as well as other treatments.
Cancer is a common disease that can affect German Shepherds. Entzückende Scäferhund Welpen can manifest as tumors on the skin or inside organs, and is typically treated with radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel disease is a common condition that can occur in German Shepherds. It's a condition that triggers abdominal pain and diarrhea, as well as weight loss and other symptoms.
German Shepherds also be affected by degenerative joint diseases. The wear and tear on joints can cause discomfort or even arthritis. Weight loss, exercise restriction and joint protection supplements are common treatment options for joint issues.
Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal condition caused by a genetic disorder, can affect any breed of dog including German Shepherds. The disease is more common in white dogs, and it can occur when two "carriers" of the gene are crossed. The disease is still in research, so a DM is not required to receive an CHIC through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, a characteristic owners often admire. However, if you find that a GSD is not properly socialized to people and other dogs, this instinctual behavior can cause problems for the dog. It can result in overprotection, which may result in barking and biting. The best way to avoid this issue is to make sure that the puppy has had lots of exposure to different people, dogs, environments and experiences throughout the crucial period of socialization that lasts from 3 to 14 weeks.
Breeders who are trustworthy will ensure that their puppies have a variety of experiences, including those with people and animals. This is crucial for a well-adjusted dog when they become an adult. This is especially important for herding and working breeds that are cautious of strangers.
The introduction of a puppy to new environments should be done cautiously, starting with less intimidating situations and gradually progressing to more bustling environments. Positive reinforcement, treats, and even play can be used to encourage a puppy to be involved in new experiences.
Exposing your dog to various sights, smells and sounds is also a good idea. This will allow your dog to feel comfortable in a variety settings and ensure that they are more calm and relaxed.
As a responsible dog owner, you must be prepared to spend many hours exploring your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it develops. This will enable them to be happy and well-adjusted as adults.
German Shepherds are a highly intelligent and versatile breed with a wide range of uses. They can be family pets, service dogs or even herding or police dogs. Socialization and stimulation of the brain early can reduce future behavior issues. While genetics play a significant influence on a dog's development and temperament but they also have a significant impact on the development of the dog. If you're looking for purebred German Shepherd, be sure to find a reputable breeder who 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 companionship. They are a great option for families who want a loyal and loving dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and versatile dogs who thrive when they're active. The German Shepherd is sought-after due to its ability to herd, but it excels in many other capacities. They are confident and fearless in their pursuit of duties, making them popular with security experts from local police departments for K-9s to every branch of the military across the globe.
As such, these dogs require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them from developing problems like separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you're interested in getting a German Shepherd, you should consider taking an obedience class with a professional trainer that is trained specifically for this breed. The trainer will be able to assist you and your dog become a well trained, confident and well-behaved pair.
German Shepherds have a long history of being bred for specific physical and temperamental traits as well as a superior working aptitude. These are the objectives of an experienced German Shepherd breeder, which should be the basis of any conversation you have with the breeder prior to deciding to buy puppies. Unfortunately, many German Shepherd breeders forget about these goals and focus on breeding dogs for an appearance or performance. Breeders may only concentrate on breeding dogs with gorgeous ears in order to win awards at competitions. While there's nothing wrong with this however, it's crucial to find a breeder that also emphasizes soundness in the dogs they breed.

This includes hip and arm certifications, as well as a willingness to respond to questions from potential buyers. This is another factor that differentiates good breeders from the unethical ones. Unethical breeders typically don't want to spend the time or expense to answer an inquiry and so they either brush it off or simply lie about the answer.
The ideal German Shepherd breeder can offer a puppy that is the perfect combination of herding instincts, intelligence, and versatility. Interviewing potential breeders and reviewing their health clearances is the best method to ensure a positive relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.