Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
Von Stephanitz saw at a dog show, in 1899, a dog named Hektor Linksrhein who matched perfectly his idea of the breed. He purchased him and renamed him Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard stipulates that hind angulation should be in line with front angulation and avoid over-angulation. Unfortunately, this has led to a sloped back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
It is essential to select a reliable breeder when purchasing purebred German Shepherds. Breeders who are reputable will provide you with thorough pedigrees and health certificates that can aid you in making an informed choice on the German Shepherd you want for your home. They'll also be able to provide you with valuable information about the breed as well as answer any questions that you may have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to delivering high-quality litters with sound grandparents and parents. They can also guarantee the genetic soundness in their dogs by examining them for common ailments and conditions such as hip dysplasia. This prevents the spread of this debilitating and painful condition to their breeding stock, while also ensuring that the puppies they sell will enjoy a healthy, enjoyable life with their new owners.
Many breeders specialize in particular area of the breed, like service work or sport Schutzhund. This lets them find the best parents and give their pups the ideal genetic background for the specific role. This ensures that every puppy in a litter has the temperament, drive and physical characteristics required to succeed in the desired job.
A reliable German Shepherd Breeder will also spend a lot of time working with their dogs. A reputable breeder should be competent to demonstrate the capabilities of their dogs as well as discuss how they can be used to help and protect their families and communities. A reliable German Shepherd breeder will also have certified, trained dog trainers on staff.
The final trait to look for in a reputable German shepherd breeder is dedication to the protection and advancement of the breed. This is evident in their dedication to the breeding, care, and training of their dogs as and participation in events like shows and trials. These activities enable them to assess their dog's performance objectively and select breeding stock, and they also aid in the well-being of their dogs by offering seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder is ultimately based on the capacity to produce dogs of high quality that meet or surpass the standards established by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder fails to keep up with this standard, in the end, it will affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
A responsible breeder should conduct health screenings on both parents before breeding to reduce the risk of inheritable diseases. Ask the breeder if results of the screenings have been verified. A reputable breeder will have the pedigrees of their dogs readily accessible for viewing.
German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible will test their dogs 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.
German Shepherds, as well as other large breeds of dogs are at risk of hemolytic anemia. This condition is caused when red blood cells break more quickly than normal. This condition can cause weakness dizziness, fatigue lightheadedness, and feeling of fatigue. It can also trigger fever, nausea, and vomiting. Fortunately hemolytic anemia is treatable with prescription medications as well as other treatments.
German Shepherds are also affected by cancer, a common inherited disease. It can manifest as tumors on the skin or in internal organs, and is typically treated with radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
German Shepherds can also suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases. It can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Degenerative joint diseases are another common musculoskeletal condition that can affect German Shepherds. It's caused by the wear and tear that occurs on joints over time which can result in discomfort or even arthritis. Treatment for joint problems usually involves weight reduction, exercise restrictions, joint protection supplements, and other medication.
A genetic disorder called degenerative myelopathy is a progressive spinal cord disease that affects various breeds, including German Shepherds. This condition is more common in white dogs, and it can be caused by two "carriers" who are crossed. However, this disease is not yet fully understood, and so it is not a DM test is not necessary for a dog to receive a CHIC number through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are incredibly protective in nature, something that owners admire. If a GSD is not well-socialized with humans and other dogs, their natural instincts may become problematic. This can lead to excessive protection, which can include barking and biting. It is best to make sure that your puppy has had exposure to a variety of different people, dogs, situations and situations during its crucial socialization period between 3-14 weeks.
Most breeders who are reputable ensure that their puppies are exposed to a variety of people, animals and experiences as early as possible. This is crucial for a well-adjusted dog when they become an adult. This is essential for breeds that work and herd, which can be naturally suspicious of strangers.
Exposing your puppy to new environments should be gradual beginning in less threatening environments before moving on to more crowded areas. Positive reinforcement, treats and play can be used to motivate a puppy to be involved in new experiences.
Exposing your dog to various sounds, smells and terrains is also a good idea. This will make your dog feel comfortable in a variety of settings and 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 grow up to be happy, well-adjusted and comfortable people.
German Shepherds are an intelligent and versatile breed. They can be used as a pet for the family as well as police or herding dogs or even service dogs. Genetics play a significant role in a dog's development and temperament, early stimulation and socialization can significantly reduce the risk of future behavioral problems. If reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter looking to purchase a purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you find a breeder who is committed to providing the puppies with the appropriate environment and training. A well-adjusted German Shepherd is a pleasure to own and will bring you many years of love and companionship. They are a wonderful option for families with active children who want a loyal and loving dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart multi-faceted dogs that thrive when active. This breed is highly desired for its herding abilities, but they excel in many other tasks. They are adamant and unflinching in their pursuit of tasks, making them popular with security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military throughout the globe.
These dogs need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to avoid issues like separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you're thinking of buying a German Shepherd, you should take a class in obedience with a professional trainer that is trained specifically for this breed. The trainer will have the skills necessary to help you and your dog become an experienced and confident couple.
German Shepherds have a long history of being bred for certain physical and temperamental characteristics, as well a high working ability. These are the main goals of a reputable German Shepherd breeder, which should be the foundation of any discussion with the breeder before you buy a puppy. Unfortunately, many German Shepherd breeders forget about these goals and focus on breeding dogs to achieve specific looks or performance. For example breeders may concentrate on breeding dogs with beautiful ears in order that they can be awarded in competitions. While there's nothing wrong with that but it's essential to choose a breeder that also emphasizes soundness in the dogs they breed.
This includes elbow and hip certifications and the willingness to answer questions from potential buyers. This is a further aspect that separates reputable breeders from those who aren't. Breeders who are not ethical tend not to spend the time or expense to answer a question, so they will brush it off or simply lie about the answer.
The best German Shepherd breeder can offer a puppy that is the perfect mix of herding instincts, intelligence, and versatility. Interviewing potential breeders and assessing their health clearances is the best way to ensure a successful relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.