Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
Von Stephanitz saw at a dog show in 1899, a dog called Hektor Linksrhein that matched his vision of the breed. He bought him and named the dog Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard stipulates that the hind angulation has to be in line with the front angulation in order to avoid over-angulation. Unfortunately, this has resulted in an inclined back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
It's important to choose an established breeder when buying purebred German Shepherds. Breeders who are reputable can provide you with detailed pedigrees and health clearances that will aid you in making an informed choice on the German Shepherd you want for your home. They can also provide you with valuable information on the German Shepherd breed and can 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 will also be in a position to ensure the genetic soundness of their dogs through screening for common diseases and conditions, such as hip dysplasia. This prevents the spread of this painful and debilitating condition to their breeding stock, while also ensuring that the puppies they offer will enjoy a healthy, enjoyable life with their new owners.
Many breeders specialize in a particular area of the breed, like service work or sport Schutzhund. They can then choose the best parents to give their puppies the genetic background they require for that particular purpose. This ensures that every puppy in a litter has the temperament, drive and physical characteristics needed to be successful in the role.
Another aspect to look for in a trustworthy German Shepherd breeder is the amount of time they spend training their dogs. A good breeder will be capable of demonstrating the abilities of their dogs and discuss how they use them to help and protect their families and communities. A reputable German Shepherd Breeder will have certified dog trainers and a trained staff.
The final trait to look for in a trustworthy German shepherd breeder is commitment to the preservation and advancement of the breed. This is evident by their commitment to breeding and training of their dogs, and also their participation in events such as shows and trials. Recommended Reading allow them to objectively select breeding dogs and improve the welfare of dogs through giving seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder is ultimately based on the capacity to produce dogs of superior quality that exceed or meet the standards set forth by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder doesn't maintain this standard, it will eventually affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders conduct health screenings of both parents prior to breeding in order to decrease the risk of developing hereditary diseases. Ask the breeder if the results of the screenings are certified. A reputable breeder will also have the pedigrees of their dog readily accessible for viewing.
German Shepherds are at risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible will test their dogs for these and other diseases, provide proper nutrition and exercise, and provide ongoing support and guidance 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 and fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, and a low energy level. It can also lead to nausea, vomiting and fever. Hemolytic anemia is treatable with prescription drugs and other treatments.
German Shepherds are also affected by cancer, another common inherited condition. It can manifest as tumors on the skin or internal organs and is usually treated by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel diseases are another common condition that occurs in German Shepherds. It can trigger abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
German Shepherds may also be affected by degenerative joint disease. It's caused by the wear and tear of joints over time, which can result in discomfort or even arthritis. Treatment for joint problems typically includes weight loss, exercise limitations and joint protection supplements and other medications.
Degenerative myelopathy, a degenerative spinal disease caused by a genetic disorder can be a problem for any breed of dog including German Shepherds. This condition is more common in white dogs and can be caused by two "carriers" who are bred together. This disease is still under study, and it is not a requirement to have a DM is not required to receive an CHIC from OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds have a protective nature, something that owners admire. If a GSD is not appropriately socialized with other dogs and other dogs, its instincts may become problematic. This can lead to excessive protection, which could include barking and biting. The best way to avoid this issue is to make sure that a puppy has had lots of exposure to various people, dogs, and experiences throughout the crucial period of socialization, which is between 3 and 14 weeks.
Most reputable breeders make sure that their puppies are exposed to a variety of animals, people, and experiences from the beginning. This is essential for a well-adjusted and happy adult dog. This is particularly important for herding and working breeds that are naturally cautious of strangers.
Exposing your puppy to new environments should be done slowly, starting in less intimidating environments and gradually moving to more crowded ones. Positive reinforcement, treats and play should be used to encourage the puppy to engage with new experiences.
It is also a good idea to expose the dog to a variety of terrains, noises and smells. This will allow the dog feel at home in various settings, and also 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 enable them become content and well-adjusted as adults.
German Shepherds are an extremely intelligent and adaptable breed that is extremely versatile and intelligent. They can be family pets, service dogs and even herding or police dogs. Socialization and stimulation of the brain early can prevent future issues with behavior. While genetics play an important influence on a dog's development and temperament however, they also have a significant effect on the development of the dog. If you're looking for an purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you choose an breeder who is committed to providing their puppies with the proper environment and proper 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 looking for an affectionate and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and versatile dogs that thrive when they're engaged. The breed is sought after for their ability to herd, but they excel in a variety of other roles. They are confident and nimble in their pursuit of responsibilities and are a favorite among security experts from local police departments for K-9s to every branch of the military across the world.
They require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to avoid issues such as hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you're interested in purchasing a German Shepherd, you should consider taking an obedience class with a professional trainer who specializes in this breed. The trainer will be able to assist you and the dog become an experienced, confident, and well-behaved couple.
The German Shepherd has a long tradition of being bred to develop certain physical and temperament traits and to have high working aptitude. These are the goals of a reputable German Shepherd breeder, which should be the foundation of any discussion with the breeder before you purchase a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of breeders lose sight of these objectives and focus more on breeding dogs to look a particular way or for specific performance characteristics. Breeders may only concentrate on producing dogs that have gorgeous ears in order to win awards at competitions. This isn't a problem however it's essential to select a breeder that also emphasizes the health of the dog.
This includes hip and elbow certifications and the willingness to answer questions from potential buyers. This is yet another method of separating legitimate breeders from those that aren't. Unscrupulous breeders aren't likely to spend the time or money to answer an inquiry which is why they simply ignore it or make up a story about the answer.
The ideal German Shepherd breeder can offer an animal that has the perfect mix of herding instincts, intelligence, and flexibility. Conducting interviews with potential breeders and evaluating their health clearances is the best method to ensure a good relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.