Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
At the 1899 dog show, Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that was perfect for his ideas about the breed. He bought him and named the dog Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard stipulates that hind angulation should be in line with front angulation and avoid over-angulation. This has unfortunately led to an unnatural sloped back in numerous breeds of show-strains.
Reputable Breeders
It is essential to select an established breeder when purchasing purebred German Shepherds. Reputable breeders will be able to provide you with detailed pedigrees and health clearances, which can help you make an informed decision about the best German Shepherd for your home. They will also provide you with important information on the German Shepherd breed and answer any questions you might have.
Reputable German Shepherd Breeders are committed to breeding litters of top quality with sound parents and grandparent. They'll also be able to guarantee the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening for common ailments and conditions, such as hip dysplasia. This will help prevent the spread of this painful and debilitating disease in their breeding stock. It will also ensure that the pups given to their new owners are healthy and happy.
Many breeders specialize in a particular area of the breed, for example, service work or sport Schutzhund. They can then choose the best parents to provide their pups the genetic background they require for that particular purpose. This ensures that each puppy from a particular litter has the right temperament, drive and physical traits to excel in the job they're destined to do.
A reliable German Shepherd Breeder will also spend much time training their dogs. A good breeder should be able to demonstrate the capabilities of his dogs and explain how they can help families and communities. A trustworthy German Shepherd Breeder will have certified dog trainers and trained 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 commitment to the breeding as well as the care and training of their dogs as and participation in events such as trials and shows. These activities allow them to select breeders with a fair view of dogs and improve the welfare of dogs through organizing seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder is dependent on their ability to produce dogs of the highest quality that exceed or meet the standards established by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder fails to meet this standard and standards, it could affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
A responsible breeder will perform health screenings on both parents prior breeding to minimize the risk of hereditary diseases. Ask the breeder about the results of these tests and if they are certified. A reputable breeder should have their dogs' pedigrees readily available.
German Shepherds are susceptible of hip and elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will check their puppies for these conditions and others offer nutrition and exercise and provide continuous guidance and assistance to ensure their well-being.
blaue schäferhunde is a condition that causes red blood cells break down faster than they normally and is common in German Shepherds as well as other large breed dogs. This condition can cause weakness dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness, and a low energy level. It can also trigger nausea, vomiting and fever. Hemolytic anemia is treatable by prescription medications as well as other treatments.
Cancer is a common disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can manifest as tumors on the skin or in internal organs, and is typically treated by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
German Shepherds may also suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Degenerative joint diseases are another common musculoskeletal problem that can affect German Shepherds. It's caused by the wear and tear that occurs on joints over time which can lead to discomfort or even arthritis. Weight loss, exercise restriction and joint protection supplements are the most common treatments for joint problems.
Degenerative myelopathy, a degenerative spinal disorder caused by a genetic disorder can affect any breed of dog including German Shepherds. This disease is more common in white dogs and may be caused by two "carriers" that are crossed. But, the disease is still being studied, and so the DM test is not necessary for a dog to receive a CHIC number through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds have a protective nature, which is something that owners admire. If the GSD hasn't been properly socialized with people and other dogs, their natural instincts can be a problem. 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 plenty of exposure to various animals, people, and experiences during the crucial period of socialization, which is between 3 and 14 weeks.
Breeders who are reputable will ensure that their puppies are exposed to a variety of experiences, including people and animals. This is vital to a well-adjusted dog at an adult age. This is crucial for working and herding breeds, which can be naturally insecure about strangers.
The introduction of a puppy to new experiences should be done with care, starting with less stressful environments and gradually building up to more crowded environments. 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 different types of terrains, noises and smells. This will help the dog feel more at home in many different settings and will also assist them in staying calm and peaceful.
As a responsible dog owner you should be prepared to spend lots of time exposing your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it grows. This will help them to be happy and well-adjusted adult.
German Shepherds are a highly intelligent and versatile breed. They can be household pets, service dogs and even police or herding dogs. Genetics play a significant role in a dog's development and temperament, early neurological stimulation and socialization could significantly reduce the risk of future behavioral problems. If you're looking to purchase a purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you choose an breeder who is committed to providing their puppies with the proper environment and training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a pleasure to have and will give you many years of companionship. They are an excellent choice for families who want an affectionate and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart multi-faceted dogs who thrive when they are active. The German Shepherd is highly sought-after for its ability to herd but they excel in many other facets. They are adamant and confident in their pursuit of duties. This makes them very popular with security experts, from local K-9 departments to all branches of the military.
These dogs need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to prevent problems such as hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you're considering getting a German Shepherd, you should consider taking an obedience class with a professional trainer who specializes in this breed. The trainer can assist you and your dog develop into a well trained, confident and well-behaved pair.
The German Shepherd has a long tradition of being bred to achieve certain physical and temperament traits, as well as to be highly productive. This is the goal of a credible German Shepherd Breeder and should be the foundation for any conversation with the breeder before purchasing puppies. Unfortunately, a lot of breeders of German Shepherds ignore these goals and concentrate on breeding dogs for specific looks or performance. For example a breeder might concentrate on breeding dogs with beautiful ears so they can win awards in competitions. There's nothing wrong about this, but it's important to select a breeder that also emphasizes the soundness of their dogs.
This includes hip and elbow certifications and the willingness to answer questions from prospective buyers. This is yet another way to distinguish legitimate breeders from those that aren't. Breeders who are not ethical tend not to invest the time or expense to answer a question which is why they simply brush it off or simply lie about the answer.
The ideal German Shepherd breeder will offer a pup with the perfect mix of instincts for herding and intelligence. By interviewing potential breeders, assessing health clearances, and finding a training specialist you can prepare yourself for a successful relationship with your new German Shepherd.