Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
Von Stephanitz saw at a dog show in 1899, a dog called Hektor Linksrhein that matched his ideals of the breed. He purchased him and renamed him Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard states that the hind angulation must be in line with the front angulation in order to avoid over-angulation. Unfortunately, this has led to a sloped back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
It is essential to select a reputable breeder when it comes to purchasing purebred German Shepherds. A reputable breeder can provide you with thorough pedigrees and health clearances that can help you make an informed decision about the best German Shepherd for your home. They'll also be able to offer you valuable information on the breed and answer any questions that you might have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to delivering high-quality litters with sound grandparents and parents. They can also guarantee genetic soundness of their dogs by screening them for common conditions and illnesses such as 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 enjoy a healthy, enjoyable life with their new owners.
Breeders are often specialized 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 provide their puppies the genetic background needed to fulfill their specific needs. This ensures that each puppy in a litter will have the drive, temperament, and physical characteristics required to succeed in the desired job.
A trustworthy German Shepherd Breeder will also spend many hours working with their dogs. A reputable breeder should be able to demonstrate the skills of their dogs and discuss how they can be used to help and protect their families and communities. A reliable German Shepherd breeder will also have trained, certified dog trainers on staff.
The last trait to look for is a breeder's commitment to the advancement and preservation of the breed. This is evident in their dedication to the breeding and care of their dogs as well as participation in events like shows and trials. These activities enable them to objectively evaluate and select breeding stock and they also aid in the well-being of their dogs by offering seminars and writing articles.
In the end, a breeder's reputation is based on their capacity to produce dogs of superior quality that exceed or meet the standards established by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder doesn't maintain this standard it will eventually impact their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders conduct health screenings for both parents prior to breeding to reduce the risk of developing hereditary diseases. Ask the breeder if the results of the screenings have been certified. A reputable breeder should have the pedigrees of their dogs readily available for viewing.
German Shepherds are at risk of hereditary health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will test for these and other conditions as well as provide the proper nutrition and exercise, and offer continuous guidance and support to ensure the well-being of their puppies.
Hemolytic anemia, a condition where red blood cells breakdown faster than they should be, is a common occurrence in German Shepherds as well as other large breed dogs. This condition can cause weakness, fatigue, dizziness lightheadedness, and low energy level. It can also lead to nausea, vomiting, and fever. Fortunately, hemolytic anemia is treatable with prescription medications as well as other treatments.
German Shepherds can also be affected by cancer, which is a common inherited condition. It can appear as tumors on the skin or in internal organs, and is typically treated with chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel disease is a frequent condition that can be found in German Shepherds. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss.
Degenerative joint disease is a common musculoskeletal condition that can affect German Shepherds. The wear and tear of joints can cause pain or even arthritis. Weight loss, exercise restriction and joint protection supplements are all common treatments for joint pain.
Degenerative myelopathy, a degenerative spinal disorder caused by a genetic disorder, can affect any breed of dog, including German Shepherds. This condition is more common in white dogs and can be caused by two "carriers" who are breeding together. This disease is still under research, so it is not a requirement to have a DM is not required to receive a CHIC through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, a characteristic owners often admire. However when you find that a GSD isn't properly socialized with people and other dogs, this natural instinct could be a problem for the dog. This can lead to excessive protection, which could include biting and barking. The best way to avoid this problem is by making sure that the puppy has had plenty of exposure to various people, dogs, and experiences during the critical period of socialization, which is between 3 and 14 weeks.
Most breeders who are reputable ensure that their puppies are exposed to a range of animals, people and experiences early on. This is vital for a well-adjusted dog as an adult. This is especially important for herding and working breeds that can be naturally cautious of strangers.
Experimenting with new experiences should be done carefully, beginning with less stressful environments and gradually moving to more crowded environments. Positive reinforcement, treats and play are a way to help a puppy be involved in new experiences.
It is an excellent idea to expose your dog to different environments, sounds and smells. This will make your dog feel at ease in a variety settings and make them more relaxed and calm.
As a responsible dog parent, you must be prepared to spend lots of time exposing your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it develops. This will enable them become content and well-adjusted adult.
German Shepherds are a smart and adaptable breed. They can be used as family pets, service dogs, and even police dogs or herding dogs. Socialization and stimulation of the brain early can prevent future issues with behavior. While genetics play a major influence on a dog's development and temperament however, they also have a significant effect on the dog's development. If you're in the market 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 pleasure to have and will provide you with years of love and companionship. They are an excellent option for families that want an affectionate and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, versatile dogs that thrive when active. This breed is highly desired for its ability to herd, but they excel in a variety of other roles. They are confident and fearless in their pursuit of duties. This makes them a favorite with security experts, from local K-9 departments to all branches of the military.
They require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to prevent issues such as hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you're interested in getting a German Shepherd you should take an obedience course with an experienced professional trainer who specializes in this breed. The trainer will have the skills necessary to help you and your dog develop into an experienced and confident couple.
The German Shepherd has a long tradition of being bred to develop certain physical and temperament traits and to be able to work well. These are the main goals 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. Many breeders lose sight of these goals and concentrate more on breeding dogs to look a particular way or for specific performance characteristics. For instance breeders may focus on producing dogs with beautiful ears so that they can win awards in competitions. While there's nothing wrong with that but it's essential to find a breeder that also focuses on the soundness of the dogs they breed.
This includes hip and arm certifications and an ability to respond to questions from potential buyers. This is a further aspect that separates reputable breeders from those who aren't. Breeders who are unethical will not take the time to answer questions, or even spend the money required to answer questions. They will either not answer the question or deny the answer.
The right German Shepherd breeder can offer an animal that has the perfect combination of herding instincts, intelligence, and flexibility. By conducting interviews with potential breeders, evaluating health clearances, and finding an expert in training and a trainer, you can set yourself up for a successful relationship with your new German Shepherd.