Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
Von Stephanitz saw at a dog show, in 1899, a dog called Hektor Linksrhein who matched perfectly his vision of the breed. He purchased him and changed his name to Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard stipulates that the hind angulation has to match the front angulation, and to prevent over-angulation. Unfortunately this has lead to a sloped back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
It is essential to select a reputable breeder when buying purebred German Shepherds. A reputable breeder can provide you with comprehensive pedigrees aswell as health clearances that can assist you in making an informed choice about the German Shepherd you want for your home. They can also provide you with important details about the German Shepherd breed and can answer any questions you may have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to producing high-quality litters that have sound grandparents and parents. They'll also be in a position to ensure the genetic soundness of their dogs through screening for common illnesses and diseases, like hip dysplasia. This helps to prevent the spread of this debilitating and painful condition in their breeding stock, while ensuring that the puppies they sell will live healthy, happy lives with their new owners.
Breeders are often specialized in specific areas of the breed, such as Schutzhund for work in service or Schutzhund for sports. This allows them to recruit the most competent parents and give their pups the ideal genetic background for this specific task. This ensures that every puppy in a litter has the temperament, drive and physical characteristics required for success in the desired job.
A reliable German Shepherd Breeder will also spend many hours training their dogs. A reputable breeder will be capable of demonstrating the abilities of their dogs as well as discuss how they can be used to help and protect their families and communities. A trustworthy German Shepherd breeder will also have certified, trained dog trainers on staff.
The last trait to look for is a breeder's commitment to the advancement and preservation of the breed. This is evident by their dedication to the breeding as well as the care and training of their dogs as and participation in events like shows and trials. These activities enable them to objectively select breeding dogs and improve the welfare of dogs by conducting seminars and writing articles.
In the end, a breeder's reputation is based on their capacity to create dogs of high-quality that exceed or meet the standards established by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder does not meet this standard, it will eventually affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders conduct health screenings for both parents prior to breeding to reduce the risk of inheritable diseases. Ask the breeder about the results of these screenings and whether or not they are certified. A reputable breeder will also have the pedigrees of their dogs available for viewing.
German Shepherds are susceptible to hereditary health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will test their puppies for these and other ailments as well as provide exercise and nutrition and provide ongoing guidance and assistance to ensure their well-being.

German Shepherds, along with other large breeds of dogs, are prone to hemolytic anemia. This is a condition that 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 fever, nausea and vomiting. Fortunately hemolytic anemia is treatable by prescription medication and other therapies.
Cancer is another common inherited disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can manifest as tumors in the skin or inside organs, and is typically treated by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
German Shepherds may also suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
German Shepherds also be affected by degenerative joint disease. It's a result of the wear and tear on the joints over time, which can result in discomfort or even arthritis. Weight loss, exercise restriction and joint protection supplements are all common treatments for joint pain.
navigate to this site called degenerative myelopathy can be a progressive spinal cord disease that affects many breeds including German Shepherds. The disease is more prevalent in white dogs, and it can be caused by two "carriers" that are bred together. The disease is still in research, so the DM is not required to be an CHIC from OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, a trait owners often admire. If the GSD has not been properly socialized with people and other dogs, their natural instincts may become a problem. It could lead to overprotection, which may result in biting and barking. It is best to make sure that your puppy has been exposed to a wide range of people or dogs, and situations and situations during its crucial period of socialization between 3-14 weeks.
Most reputable breeders make sure that their puppies are exposed to a variety of animals, people, and experiences from the beginning. This is crucial for a well-adjusted dog as an adult. This is crucial for breeds that work and herd that are naturally insecure about strangers.
Experimenting with new experiences should be handled cautiously, starting with less intimidating situations and gradually progressing to more crowded environments. Positive reinforcement, treats, and play are a way to encourage a puppy to take part in new experiences.
Exposing the dog to different scents, sounds and environments is also a good idea. This will help the dog feel at home in a variety of environments and help them to be more calm and relaxed.
As a responsible dog-owner You should be ready to expose your German Shepherd puppy to a variety of new experiences as they grow up. This will enable them become happy and well-adjusted adults.
German Shepherds are a smart and versatile breed. They can be used as a pet for the family, police or herding dogs as well as service dogs. Socialization and stimulation of the brain early can reduce future behavior issues. While genetics play a significant role in a dogs development and temperament but they also have a significant impact on the dog's growth. If you're in the market for a purebred German Shepherd, be sure to choose a reliable breeder that is committed to giving their puppies the proper environment and training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a delight to have and will give you many years of companionship. They are an excellent option for families looking for a loving and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart multi-faceted dogs who thrive when they are active. The German Shepherd is highly sought-after due to its ability to herd but they excel in many other capacities. They are fearless and confident in their pursuit of duties. This makes them a favorite with security experts, from local K-9 departments to all branches of the military.
They require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to prevent issues such as separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you are interested in getting a German Shepherd you should take an obedience class from a professional trainer who specializes in this breed. The trainer will possess the knowledge and skills needed to help you and your dog become an experienced and confident couple.
The German Shepherd has a long tradition of being bred for certain traits in temperament and physical and also to have high working aptitude. This is the objective of a reliable German Shepherd Breeder and should be the foundation for any conversation with the breeder prior to buying a puppy. Many breeders forget about these goals and concentrate more on breeding dogs to look in a certain way or to have specific performance characteristics. A breeder might only focus on producing dogs that have gorgeous ears in order to win awards at competitions. While there's nothing wrong with that but it's essential to choose a breeder that is also focused on the soundness of the dogs they breed.
This includes elbow and hip certifications and the willingness to answer questions from potential buyers. This is another method to differentiate between reputable breeders and unethical ones. Unethical breeders typically don't want to spend the time or cost to answer any question and so they either brush it off or simply lie about the answer.
The ideal German Shepherd breeder can offer a puppy that is the perfect blend of herding instincts and intelligence and flexibility. Interviewing potential breeders and assessing their health clearances is the best way to ensure a successful relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.