Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
At an exhibition of dogs in 1899, Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that perfectly matched his ideas about the breed. He purchased him and renamed the dog Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard stipulates that the hind angulation should be in line with the front angulation and to prevent over-angulation. Unfortunately, this has led to a sloped back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
When it comes time to purchase purebred German Shepherds, it's crucial to select a reputable breeder. Breeders with a good reputation will be able to provide you with detailed pedigrees and health clearances that will help you make an informed choice about the best German Shepherd for your home. They can also provide you with important details about the German Shepherd breed and answer any questions you might have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to producing high-quality litters that have sound parents and grandparents. They can also guarantee the genetic soundness in their dogs by screening them for common conditions and illnesses, such as hip dysplasia. This will help prevent the spread of the painful and debilitating condition in their breeding stock. It will also ensure that the pups sold to their new owners are healthy and happy.
Breeders usually specialize in specific areas of the breed such as Schutzhund for work in service or Schutzhund for sport. They then choose the best parents to give their puppies the genetic background needed for that particular purpose. This ensures that each puppy from a litter will possess the temperament, drive and physical characteristics needed to succeed in the desired role.
Another thing to look for in a reliable German Shepherd breeder is the amount of time they devote to training their dogs. A good breeder must be able to demonstrate the abilities of his dogs and explain how they can protect and serve families and communities. A reputable German Shepherd breeder will also have certified, trained dog trainers on their staff.
The final quality to look for is a breeder's dedication to the advancement and preservation of the breed. This is evident by their dedication to breeding, training, and care of their dogs and also their involvement in trials and shows. These activities enable them to assess their dog's performance objectively and select breeding stock, and they also promote the well-being of their dogs by offering seminars and writing articles.
In the final analysis, the reputation of a breeder is based on their ability to produce high-quality dogs that exceed or meet the standards set by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder does not meet this standard and standards, it could affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders will conduct health screenings for both parents prior to breeding to lower the risk of hereditary disease. Ask the breeder if the results of the tests are verified. A reputable breeder must have their pedigrees of their dogs readily available.
German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will test for these and other diseases as well as provide the proper nutrition and exercise, and provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure the health of their puppies.
Hemolytic anemia is a condition that causes red blood cells are destroyed faster than they normally and is common in German Shepherds and other large breed dogs. This can cause weakness, fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, and a lack of energy. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, and fever. Fortunately hemolytic anemia is treatable by prescription medications as well as other treatments.
Cancer is a common disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can appear as skin tumors or in internal organs, and it's usually treated using radiation, Reinrassiger Deutscher SchäFerhund chemotherapy or surgery.
German Shepherds also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. It's a condition that triggers diarrhea and abdominal pain along with weight loss and other signs.
German Shepherds may also be affected by degenerative joint diseases. The wear and tear on joints can cause pain or even arthritis. Treatment for joint issues usually involves weight reduction, exercise restrictions and joint protection supplements and other medication.
Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal disease caused by a genetic disorder, can affect any breed of dog including German Shepherds. This disease is more common in white dogs, and it can be caused by two "carriers" who are crossed. The disease is still in study, and it is not a requirement to have a DM is not required to receive an CHIC through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are incredibly protective in nature, something that owners admire. However, if the GSD isn't properly socialized to people and other dogs, this natural instinct can cause problems for the dog. This can lead to excessive protection, which can include barking and biting. It is important to make sure that your puppy has been exposed to a wide range of people as well as dogs, environments and experiences during its critical period of socialization between 3-14 weeks.
Breeders who are reputable will ensure that their puppies have a wide range of experiences, which includes people and animals. This is essential for a well-adjusted dog when they become an adult. This is especially crucial for working breeds and herding breeds that are wary of strangers.
Experimenting with new environments should be done slowly, starting in less intimidating environments and gradually moving to more crowded ones. Positive reinforcement, treats and play are a way to motivate a puppy to take part 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 at ease in a variety of settings and will make them more calm and relaxed.
As a responsible dog owner, you must be prepared to spend a lot of time exploring your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it develops. This will allow them become happy and well-adjusted adults.
German Shepherds are a highly intelligent and adaptable breed. They can be family pets, service dogs, and even herding or police dogs. While genetics plays a large part in the development of a dog's and temperament, early stimulation as well as socialization can greatly reduce future behavior problems. If you're looking for purebred German Shepherd, be sure to choose a reliable breeder who is committed to giving their puppies the right environment and training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a delight to have and will give you many years of companionship. They are a great option for families looking for an affectionate and trustworthy dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and versatile dogs who thrive when they're active. The German Shepherd is highly sought-after due to its ability to herd but they excel in many other capacities. They are confident and fearless in their pursuit of tasks. This makes them very popular among security professionals including local K-9 units to all branches of the military.
As such, these dogs require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them from developing issues like hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you are interested in buying a German Shepherd you should take an obedience class with a professional trainer who specializes in this breed. The trainer will have the necessary skills to help you and your dog become a well-trained and confident pair.
The German Shepherd has a long tradition of being bred to achieve certain physical and temperamental traits, as well as to be highly productive. These are the objectives of a reputable German Shepherd breeder, which should be the basis of any discussion with the breeder prior to making the decision to buy a puppy. Unfortunately, many breeders lose sight of these objectives and focus more on breeding dogs that look a particular way or for certain characteristics of performance. For example a breeder might focus on producing dogs with beautiful ears so they can win awards at competitions. There's nothing wrong with this, but it's important to select a breeder that also focuses on the soundness of their dogs.
This includes elbow and hip certifications and a willingness to answer questions from potential buyers. This is a further aspect that distinguishes legitimate breeders from those who aren't. Unscrupulous breeders aren't likely to invest the time or money to answer an inquiry which is why they simply brush it off or simply cover up the answer.
The ideal German Shepherd breeder can offer an animal that has the perfect mix of herding instincts and intelligence and flexibility. Interviewing potential breeders and reviewing their health clearances is the best way to ensure a successful relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.