Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
At the 1899 dog show, Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that perfectly matched his ideals for the breed. He purchased him and changed his name to Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard states that hind angulation should match front angulation, and to avoid over-angulation. This has unfortunately led to a sloped-back conformation in many dogs of show-strains.
Reputable Breeders
It is essential to select an established breeder when buying purebred German Shepherds. Reputable breeders can provide you with detailed pedigrees aswell as health certificates that can help you make a more informed decision on the German Shepherd you want for your home. They'll also offer you valuable information about the breed as well as answer any questions you may have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to producing high-quality litters that have sound parents and grandparents. They'll also be in a position to ensure the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening for common diseases and diseases, like hip dysplasia. This helps to prevent the spread of this debilitating and painful condition in their breeding stock, and also ensures that the puppies they sell will have healthy, happy lives with their new owners.
Breeders often specialize in certain areas of the breed such as Schutzhund for work in service or Schutzhund for sports. This lets them recruit the most reputable parents and give their pups an ideal genetic background for the specific role. This ensures that every puppy from a litter will possess the drive, temperament, and physical characteristics required for success in the desired job.
A reputable German Shepherd Breeder will also spend many hours training their dogs. A good breeder must be able demonstrate the skills of his dogs and explain how they protect and serve families and communities. A trustworthy 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 protection of the breed. This is evidenced by their commitment to breeding, training, and care of their dogs as well as their participation in events like trials and shows. These activities enable them to select breeders with a fair view of stock and promote the welfare of dogs through giving seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder is dependent 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 does not adhere to this standard, it eventually could affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders will conduct health screenings on both parents prior to breeding in order to lower the risk of hereditary disease. Ask the breeder about the results of these tests and whether or not they are certified. A reputable breeder should also have their pedigrees of their dogs readily available.
German Shepherds are at risk of hereditary health conditions, like elbow and hip dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will test their pups for these conditions and others as well as provide exercise and nutrition and offer continuous guidance and assistance to ensure their well-being.
German Shepherds, as well as other large breeds of dogs are prone to hemolytic anemia. This condition occurs when red blood cells break up more quickly than normal. This condition can lead to weakness, fatigue, dizziness lightheadedness, and feeling of fatigue. It can also cause fever, nausea, and vomiting. Hemolytic anemia is treatable by prescription medications and other therapies.
German Shepherds may also be affected by cancer, another common inherited condition. It can manifest as tumors in the skin or internal organs and is usually treated through radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel disease is another common condition that occurs in German Shepherds. It can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
German Shepherds can also be affected by degenerative joint disease. The wear and tear on joints can cause discomfort or even arthritis. Weight loss, exercise restrictions and joint protection supplements are all common treatments for joint problems.
A genetic disorder known as degenerative myelopathy can be a progressive spinal cord disease that can affect all breeds, including German Shepherds. This condition is more common in white dogs and may be caused by two "carriers" that are bred together. However, reinrassiger schäferhund of this disease is still being researched and a DM test is not necessary for a dog to receive a CHIC identification number through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, which owners often admire. If you find that a GSD has not been well-socialized with humans and other dogs, their natural instincts can be problematic. It could lead to overprotection, which may result in biting and barking. It is recommended to make sure that your puppy has had exposure to a variety of different people or dogs, and situations and experiences during its crucial period of socialization between 3-14 weeks.
Breeders who are reputable will ensure that their puppies have a wide range of experiences, including people and animals. This is essential to a well-adjusted dog at an adult age. This is especially important for working breeds and herding breeds that are naturally cautious of strangers.
The introduction of a puppy to new experiences should be done carefully, beginning with less stressful environments and gradually progressing to busier environments. Positive reinforcement, play, and treats should be used to encourage the puppy to be involved in new experiences.
It is also a good idea to expose the dog to a variety of environments, sounds and smells. This will allow the dog to feel at home in many different settings and will also assist them in staying calm and relaxed.
As a responsible dog owner, you must be prepared to spend a lot of time exposing your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it grows. This will help them grow up to be happy, well-adjusted individuals.
German Shepherds are a highly intelligent and versatile breed with a wide range of uses. They can be used as a pet for the family and police dogs, herding or police dogs as well as service dogs. Genetics play a significant part in the development of a dog's and temperament, early stimulation of the brain and socialization can significantly reduce the likelihood of future behavioral issues. If you're in the market for purebred German Shepherd, be sure to find a reputable breeder who is dedicated to providing their puppies with the proper environment and training. A well-adjusted German Shepherd is a pleasure to have and will give you years of companionship. They are an excellent choice for families who want an affectionate and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart, versatile dogs that thrive when active. The breed is sought after for their herding abilities, but they excel in a variety other tasks. They are adamant and unflinching in their pursuit of tasks and are a favorite among security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military throughout the globe.
As such, these dogs require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to avoid developing problems such as hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you're considering getting a German Shepherd, you should take a class in obedience with a professional trainer who is specialized in this breed. The trainer will be able to assist you and your dog become a well trained, confident and well-behaved pair.
The German Shepherd has a long tradition of being bred to achieve certain physical and temperamental traits, as well as to be able to work well. These are the main goals of an experienced German Shepherd breeder, which should be the foundation of any conversation you have with the breeder prior to deciding to buy a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of breeders of German Shepherds do not consider these goals and concentrate on breeding dogs to achieve a certain look or performance. Breeders may only concentrate on producing dogs that have gorgeous ears in order to win awards at competitions. While there's nothing wrong with this however, it's crucial to choose a breeder that also focuses on soundness in the dogs they produce.
This includes hip and arm certifications, as well as a willingness to respond to inquiries from potential buyers. This is another method of separating reputable breeders and unethical ones. Breeders who are not ethical will not take the time to answer questions or invest the money required to do so. They either do not bother to answer the question or lie about the answer.
The best German Shepherd breeder can offer an animal that has the perfect combination of herding instincts and intelligence and versatility. By interviewing potential breeders, reviewing health clearances, and finding an expert in training and a trainer, you can set yourself up to have a positive relationship with your new German Shepherd.