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 bought him and named the dog Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard states that the hind angulation must match the front angulation, and to avoid over-angulation. Unfortunately this has lead to an inclined back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
It is crucial to choose a reputable breeder when purchasing purebred German Shepherds. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with detailed pedigrees and health clearances that will help you make an informed choice on the ideal German Shepherd for your home. They can also provide you with valuable information about the German Shepherd breed, and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to producing high-quality litters with sound grandparents and parents. They are also capable of ensuring the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening for common illnesses and conditions, such as hip dysplasia. This helps to prevent the spread of this painful and debilitating condition among their breeding stock, while also ensuring that the puppies they offer will enjoy a healthy, enjoyable life with their new owners.
Breeders often specialize in certain areas of the breed such as Schutzhund for service work or Schutzhund for sport. This lets them find the most reputable parents and give their pups the ideal genetic background for this specific task. This ensures that every puppy from a litter will possess the drive, temperament, and physical traits required to succeed in the desired role.
Another factor to consider in a trustworthy German Shepherd breeder is the amount of time they spend training their dogs. A good breeder must be able to demonstrate the capabilities of his dogs and explain how they protect and serve families as well as communities. A reputable German Shepherd breeder will also have certified, trained dog trainers on staff.
The last thing to look for is a breeder's dedication to the advancement and protection of the breed. This is demonstrated by their dedication to breeding training, care, and maintenance of their dogs and their involvement in events such as shows and trials. These activities enable them to objectively select breeding stock and 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 create dogs of high-quality that exceed or meet the standards established by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder fails to adhere to this standard, eventually it will impact their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders conduct health screenings of 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 the pedigrees of their dogs accessible for viewing.
German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will check their puppies for these and other conditions, provide nutrition and exercise and offer ongoing guidance and support to ensure their well-being.
German Shepherds, along with 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 cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness and light-headedness. It can also trigger nausea, vomiting and fever. Fortunately hemolytic anemia can be treated by prescription medications and other treatments.
Cancer is a different common inherited disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can manifest as tumors on the skin or in internal organs and it's usually treated with radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
schäferhund beschützerinstinkt may also be affected by inflammatory bowel diseases. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss.
German Shepherds can also be affected by degenerative joint diseases. It's a result of the wear and tear on joints over time, which can lead to discomfort or even arthritis. Treatment for joint pain typically includes weight reduction, exercise restrictions, joint protection supplements, and various other medications.
A genetic disorder dubbed degenerative myelopathy is a chronic spinal cord disease that can affect all breeds including German Shepherds. This disease is more common in white dogs, and it can be caused by two "carriers" who are bred together. However, the cause of this disease is not yet fully understood, and so the DM test is not required to receive a CHIC identification number through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, a trait owners often admire. However when a GSD isn't properly socialized to people and other dogs, this natural instinct can become a problem for the dog. It could lead to excessive protection, which could include barking and biting. The best way to prevent this issue is to make sure that the puppy has had ample exposure to various animals, people, and experiences during the critical socialization period of 3-14 weeks.
Breeders who are reputable will ensure that their puppies are exposed to a variety of experiences, which includes people and animals. This is vital for a well-adjusted and happy adult dog. This is especially important for herding and working breeds that are fearful of strangers.
The process of exposing your puppy to new environments should be done slowly, starting in less intimidating environments and gradually moving to more crowded environments. Positive reinforcement, play, and treats should be used to encourage the puppy to engage with new experiences.
It is an excellent idea to expose your dog to different things, sounds, and scents. This will make your dog feel at ease in a variety settings and will make them more relaxed and calm.
As a responsible dog-parent, 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 develop into happy, well-adjusted and comfortable people.
German Shepherds are a highly intelligent and versatile breed. They can be used as pets for families as well as police or herding dogs or even service dogs. Genetics play a major influence on a dog's development and temperament, early stimulation of the brain and socialization can greatly reduce future behavior problems. If you're looking for an purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you find an breeder who is committed to providing their puppies with the appropriate environment and training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a joy to have and will provide you with many years of companionship. They are a wonderful option for families who are looking for a loving and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and versatile dogs who thrive when they're in a lively. 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 responsibilities which makes them popular with security experts from local police departments for K-9s to all branches of the military throughout the world.
They require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to avoid issues such as separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you're considering buying a German Shepherd, you should take a class in obedience with a professional trainer who specializes in this breed. The trainer can 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. This is the aim of a reputable German Shepherd Breeder and should be the starting point for any discussion with the breeder prior to purchasing a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of breeders fail to see these goals and concentrate more on breeding dogs to look a particular way or for specific performance characteristics. For example a breeder might focus on producing dogs with beautiful ears so that they can win awards in competitions. While there's nothing wrong with this, it's important to find a breeder who also emphasizes soundness in the dogs they produce.
This includes hip and arm certificates and the ability to answer questions from potential buyers. This is a further aspect that differentiates good breeders from the unethical ones. Breeders who are not ethical will not bother to answer questions or spend the money to do so. They will either not answer the question or deny the answer.
The best German Shepherd breeder can offer an animal that has the perfect combination of herding instincts and intelligence and flexibility. By conducting interviews with potential breeders, evaluating health clearances, and locating an expert in training, you can set yourself up for a successful relationship with your new German Shepherd.