Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
Von Stephanitz saw at a dog show, in 1899, a dog called Hektor Linksrhein who was perfect to his idea of the breed. He bought him and named him Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard stipulates that the hind angulation has to match the front angulation, in order to avoid over-angulation. This has led to a sloped-back conformation among numerous breeds of show-strains.
Reputable Breeders
When it comes time to purchase purebred German Shepherds, it's essential to choose a quality breeder. Reputable breeders will be able to provide you with a detailed pedigree and health clearances that will help you make an informed choice on the most suitable German Shepherd for your home. They will also provide you with important information about the German Shepherd breed, and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
Reputable German Shepherd Breeders are committed to breeding litters of top quality that have sound grandparents and parents. They also ensure genetic soundness in their dogs by securing them against common ailments and conditions, such as hip dysplasia. This prevents the spread of this debilitating and painful condition among their breeding stock, while ensuring that the puppies they sell have healthy, happy lives with their new owners.
Many breeders specialize in a specific area of the breed, such as service work or sport Schutzhund. This allows them to bring in the best parents and give their pups an ideal genetic background to serve this specific task. This ensures that every puppy from a litter will possess the temperament, drive and physical traits required to be successful in the job.
A reputable German Shepherd Breeder will also spend much time working with their dogs. A reputable breeder will be competent to demonstrate the capabilities of their dogs and discuss how they are used to protect and serve their families and 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 preservation of the breed. This is evidenced by their dedication to the breeding, training, and care of their dogs and their involvement in shows and trials. These activities allow them to assess their dog's performance objectively and select breeding stock, and they also promote the well-being of their dogs by providing seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder is dependent on their capacity to produce dogs of high quality that meet or surpass the standards set by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder doesn't maintain this standard, eventually it could affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders conduct health screenings on both parents prior to breeding to decrease 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 prone to elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will check their puppies for these and other conditions as well as provide exercise and nutrition and provide ongoing guidance and assistance to ensure their well-being.
Hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells breakdown faster than they should, is common in German Shepherds and other large breed dogs. This condition can cause fatigue, weakness, dizziness and light-headedness. It can also trigger nausea, vomiting and fever. Hemolytic anemia can be treated with prescription drugs and other therapies.
Cancer is another common inherited disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can appear as tumors on the skin or in internal organs, and it's usually treated with radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
German Shepherds may also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. It can trigger diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
German Shepherds may also be afflicted by degenerative joint diseases. It's caused by the wear and tear on joints over time, which can lead to discomfort or even arthritis. Treatment for joint issues generally involves 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 many breeds, including German Shepherds. The disease is more common in white dogs, and is possible to develop when two "carriers" of the gene crossbred. However, this disease is still being studied, and so it is not a DM test is not required to receive a CHIC number through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are incredibly protective in nature, which is something that owners admire. However, if a GSD isn't socialized with people and other dogs, this natural instinct can cause problems for the dog. It can result in overprotection, which can include barking and biting. The best way to prevent this problem is by making sure that a puppy has had ample exposure to different animals, people, and experiences throughout the crucial period of socialization, which is between 3 and 14 weeks.
Breeders with a good reputation will ensure that their puppies have a variety of experiences, which includes people and animals. This is vital for a well-adjusted dog as an adult. This is particularly important for herding and working breeds that are cautious of strangers.
Exposing a puppy to new environments should be done cautiously, starting with less stressful situations and gradually progressing to more crowded environments. Positive reinforcement, treats, and play can be used to encourage a puppy to take part in new experiences.
Exposing your dog to various sounds, smells and terrains is also a great idea. This will help the dog to feel at home in a variety of settings and will also aid them in becoming more relaxed and calm.
As a responsible dog parent you should be prepared to spend many hours exploring your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it grows. reinrassiger schäferhund will help them grow up to be happy, well-adjusted people.
German Shepherds are an extremely intelligent and adaptable breed. They can be used as a pet for the family, police or herding dogs, or even service dogs. Early neurological stimulation and socialization can prevent future issues with behavior. While genetics play a major role in a dogs development and temperament, they also have a significant impact on the dog's development. If you're looking for a purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you find 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 love and companionship. They are an excellent option for families with active children who require a loyal and affectionate dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart and adaptable dogs that thrive when they're in a lively. This breed is highly sought-after for their ability to herd, but they excel in a variety other roles. They are confident and fearless in their pursuit of duties, making them popular with security experts from local police departments for K-9s to every branch of the military across the globe.
As such, these dogs require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to prevent them from developing problems such as separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you're interested in buying a German Shepherd you should take an obedience class from an experienced professional trainer who specializes in this breed. The trainer can assist you and your dog become an experienced, confident, and well-behaved pair.
The German Shepherd has a long history of being bred to achieve certain physical and temperament traits and also to be highly productive. These are the main goals of a reputable German Shepherd breeder, which should be the basis of any discussion you have with the breeder prior to deciding to purchase puppies. Unfortunately, many breeders of German Shepherds do not consider these goals and focus on breeding dogs with a certain look or performance. A breeder may focus on breeding dogs with gorgeous ears in order to win awards at competitions. While there's nothing wrong with that however, it's crucial to find a breeder that also emphasizes soundness in the dogs they produce.
This includes elbow and hip certifications and a willingness to answer questions from potential buyers. This is yet another method of separating ethical breeders from those who aren't. Breeders who aren't ethical will not take the time to answer questions, or even spend the money required to do so. They will either ignore the question or deny the answer.
The right German Shepherd breeder will offer a puppy with the perfect mix of instincts for herding and intelligence. Interviewing potential breeders and reviewing their health clearances is the best method to ensure a positive relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.