Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
Von Stephanitz saw at a dog show in 1899, a dog named Hektor Linksrhein who was perfect to his ideals of the breed. He purchased him and changed his name to Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard stipulates that hind angulation should be in line with front angulation, and to avoid over-angulation. This has resulted in an unnatural sloped back in many dogs of show-strains.
Reputable Breeders
It is crucial to choose an established breeder when it comes to purchasing purebred German Shepherds. A reputable breeder 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 offer you 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, with sound grandparents and parents. They can also guarantee the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening them for common conditions and illnesses, such as hip dysplasia. This will stop the spread of this debilitating and painful condition in their breeding stock, while ensuring that the puppies they sell will live healthy, happy lives with their new owners.
Breeders usually specialize in specific areas of the breed, such as Schutzhund for work in service or Schutzhund for sport. They can then select the best parents to give their pups the genetic background they need for that particular purpose. This ensures that each puppy in a litter has the temperament, drive and physical traits required for success in the desired job.
Another factor to consider in a reliable German Shepherd breeder is the amount of time they invest in training their dogs. A good breeder will be competent to demonstrate the capabilities of their dogs and talk about how they can be used to protect and serve their families and communities. A reputable German Shepherd Breeder will have certified dog trainers as well as trained staff.
The last characteristic to look for in a reputable German shepherd breeder is dedication to the preservation and advancement of the breed. This is evident by their dedication to breeding as well as the care and training of their dogs as well as participation in events like shows and trials. These activities enable them to objectively select breeding breeds and to promote the welfare of dogs through giving seminars and writing articles.
In the final analysis, the reputation of a breeder is based on the ability of their breeder to produce dogs of superior quality that meet or exceed the standards established by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder does not adhere to this standard, in the end, it will affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders will conduct health screenings on both parents prior to breeding to lower the risk of developing hereditary diseases. Ask the breeder about the results of these screenings and whether or not they are certified. A reputable breeder should have their dogs' pedigrees readily available.
German Shepherds are at risk of hereditary health conditions, like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible will test their dogs for these and other diseases as well as provide the adequate nutrition and exercise, and offer continuous support and guidance to ensure the well-being of their puppies.
German Shepherds, as well as other large breeds of dogs are prone to hemolytic anemia. This is a condition that occurs when red blood cells break up more quickly than normal. This condition can cause weakness and fatigue, dizziness as well as lightheadedness and feeling of fatigue. It can also cause nausea, vomiting and fever. Fortunately, hemolytic anemia is treatable by prescription medications and other therapies.
Cancer is another 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.
Inflammatory bowel disease is another common condition that can occur in German Shepherds. It can trigger diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
German Shepherds may also suffer from degenerative joint disease. It's caused by the wear and tear of joints over time which can cause discomfort or even arthritis. Losing weight, exercising restrictions and joint protection supplements are all common treatment options for joint issues.
A genetic disorder called degenerative myelopathy is a chronic spinal cord disease that affects many breeds including German Shepherds. The disease is more common in white dogs, and can be triggered when two "carriers" of the gene are bred together. However, this disease is still being studied and therefore it is not a DM test is not necessary for a dog to be issued a CHIC number through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, a characteristic owners often admire. If a GSD has not been appropriately socialized with other dogs and other dogs, its instincts can be problematic. It can result in overprotection, which may result in biting and barking. It is recommended to ensure that your puppy has been exposed to a wide range of people or dogs, and situations and experiences during its crucial period of socialization between 3-14 weeks.
Breeders who are trustworthy will ensure that their pups are exposed to a variety of experiences, which includes people and animals. This is crucial for a well-adjusted dog as an adult. This is particularly important for herding and working breeds that are naturally cautious of strangers.
The process of exposing your puppy to new environments should be gradual beginning in less stressful environments and gradually moving to more crowded areas. Positive reinforcement, treats and even play can be used to motivate a puppy to be involved in new experiences.
It is an excellent idea to expose the dog to different types of things, sounds, and scents. This will help your dog 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 help them become happy and well-adjusted as adults.
German Shepherds are an intelligent and adaptable breed that is extremely versatile and intelligent. They can be used as pets for families as well as police or herding dogs, or even service dogs. While genetics plays a large part in the development of a dog's and temperament, early stimulation and socialization can greatly reduce future behavior problems. If you're looking for purebred German Shepherd, be sure to locate a reputable breeder that is committed to giving their puppies the proper environment and training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a joy to have and will give you many years of companionship. They are a wonderful option for families with active children who require a loyal and affectionate dog.
Training

German Shepherds are smart and adaptable dogs that thrive when they're active. The German Shepherd is sought-after due to its ability to herd but they excel in many other capacities. They are adamant and unflinching in their pursuit of duties and are a favorite among security experts from local K-9 police departments to all branches of the military across the world.
As such, these dogs require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them from developing issues like hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you're interested in purchasing a German Shepherd, you should consider taking an obedience class with a professional trainer that specializes in this breed. The trainer can assist you and your dog become confident, well-trained and well-behaved couple.
The German Shepherd has a long tradition of being bred to achieve certain physical and temperament traits and also to be highly productive. This is the objective of a reliable German Shepherd Breeder and should be the foundation for any discussion with the breeder prior to purchasing a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of breeders of German Shepherds do not consider these goals and focus on breeding dogs to achieve specific looks or performance. For instance breeders may concentrate on breeding dogs with beautiful ears so that they can win awards in competitions. While there's related resource site with this, it's important to find a breeder that also emphasizes the soundness of the dogs they breed.
This includes hip and elbow certifications as well as the ability to answer questions from potential buyers. This is another aspect that differentiates good breeders from those who aren't. Unscrupulous breeders aren't likely to spend the time or expense to answer a question which is why they simply dismiss it or lie about the answer.
The ideal German Shepherd breeder will offer a pup with the perfect mix of herding instincts and intelligence. Interviewing potential breeders and assessing their health clearances is the best method to ensure a positive relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.