Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
Von Stephanitz saw at a dog show, in 1899, a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that matched his idea of the breed. He bought him and named him Horand von Grafrath.

The breed standard stipulates that hind angulation should match the front angulation and should be avoided by over-angulation. Unfortunately, this has led to an inclined back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
When it comes to acquiring purebred German Shepherds, it is essential to select a reputable breeder. Breeders who are reputable can provide you with detailed pedigrees as well as health certificates that can help you make a more informed choice about 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 producing high-quality litters with sound parents and grandparents. They can also guarantee the genetic soundness in their dogs by screening them for common illnesses and conditions like hip dysplasia. This will stop the spread of the painful and debilitating condition in their breeding breed. It will also ensure that the pups that are sold to their new owners are healthy and happy.
Breeders often specialize in certain areas of the breed such as Schutzhund for work in service or Schutzhund for sport. This enables them to bring in the most reputable parents and give their pups the ideal genetic background for the specific role. This ensures that every puppy in a particular litter has the proper mental, physical and temperament qualities to perform in the job they're destined to do.
Another factor to consider in a trustworthy German Shepherd breeder is the amount of time they devote to training their dogs. A good breeder will be competent to demonstrate the capabilities of their dogs and talk about how they are used to help and protect their families and communities. A reliable German Shepherd breeder will also have certified, trained dog trainers on staff.
The last quality to look for in a reputable German shepherd breeder is their commitment to the preservation and advancement of the breed. This is evidenced by their dedication to the breeding, training, and care of their dogs, and their involvement in events such as trials and shows. These activities enable them to evaluate their dogs objectively and select breeding stock, and they also promote the welfare of their dogs by providing seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder's business is based on the ability to breed dogs of superior quality that meet or surpass the standards set by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder doesn't maintain this standard, it eventually could affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
A responsible breeder will perform health screenings on both parents prior to breeding to mitigate the risk of inheritable diseases. Ask the breeder if results of the screenings are verified. A reputable breeder should have the pedigrees of their dogs readily accessible for viewing.
German Shepherds are at risk of hereditary health issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will check their puppies for these and other ailments as well as provide exercise and nutrition and provide continuous guidance and assistance to ensure their well-being.
Hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed faster than they should, is common in German Shepherds and other large breed dogs. This can cause weakness and fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, and a feeling of fatigue. It can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and fever. Hemolytic anemia can be treated by prescription medications and other therapies.
Cancer is another common inherited disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can manifest as tumors on the skin or in internal organs, and is usually treated with radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
German Shepherds also suffer from inflammatory bowel diseases. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
German Shepherds also be afflicted by degenerative joint disease. It's caused by the wear and tear of the joints over time, which can result in discomfort or even arthritis. Weight loss, exercise restrictions and joint protection supplements are all common treatments for joint problems.
A genetic disorder known as degenerative myelopathy is a chronic spinal cord disease that affects all breeds, including German Shepherds. related resource site is more prevalent in white dogs and is possible to develop when two "carriers" of the gene are bred together. However, the cause of this disease is still being researched and the 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 when the GSD is not properly socialized to people and other dogs, this instinctual response could be a problem for the dog. This can lead to excessive protection, which can include biting and barking. It is recommended to make sure that your puppy has had exposure to a variety of different people or dogs, and situations and experiences during its crucial socialization period between 3-14 weeks.
The most reputable breeders ensure that their puppies are exposed to a range of animals, people and experiences from the beginning. This is essential to a well-adjusted dog at an adult age. This is crucial for breeds that work and herd that are naturally cautious of strangers.
Experimenting with new environments should be done slowly beginning in less threatening environments and gradually moving to more crowded environments. Positive reinforcement, treats and play can be used to motivate a puppy to be involved in new experiences.
It is also a good idea to expose your dog to a variety of environments, sounds and smells. This will allow your dog to feel at ease in a variety of settings, and also help them to be more calm and relaxed.
As a responsible dog parent, you must be prepared to spend many hours exposing your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it develops. This will allow them become happy and well-adjusted adults.
German Shepherds are an intelligent and adaptable breed with a wide range of uses. They can be household pets, service dogs or even police or herding dogs. Genetics play a significant part in the development of a dog's and temperament, early stimulation of the brain and socialization can significantly reduce the likelihood of future behavioral issues. If you're in the market for purebred German Shepherd, be sure to choose a reliable breeder that 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 years of companionship. They are a great option for families with active children who are looking for a loving and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent, versatile dogs that thrive when active. The breed is desired for its herding abilities, but they excel in a variety other roles. They are adamant and confident in their pursuit of tasks. This makes them very popular among security experts and K-9 officers from local police departments to all branches of the military.
As such, these dogs require a great deal of physical and mental stimulation to keep them from developing problems like separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you're thinking of getting a German Shepherd, you should think about taking an obedience class with a professional trainer that is trained specifically for this breed. The trainer can assist you and your dog become a well trained, confident and well-behaved couple.
German Shepherds have a long tradition of being bred for certain physical and temperamental characteristics and a high working aptitude. This is the objective of a reputable German Shepherd Breeder and should be the starting point for any discussion with the breeder prior to buying puppies. Unfortunately, a lot of German Shepherd breeders forget about these objectives and concentrate on breeding dogs with specific looks or performance. For example, a breeder may only concentrate on breeding dogs with beautiful ears in order that they can win awards at competitions. There's nothing wrong with this, but it's important to select a breeder that also places emphasis on the health of the dog.
This includes hip and arm certifications and a willingness to respond to inquiries from potential buyers. This is another factor that separates reputable breeders from the unethical ones. Breeders who are not ethical tend not to invest the time or cost to answer a question, so they will dismiss it or cover up the answer.
The best German Shepherd breeder will offer a pup with the perfect combination herding instincts and a sharp mind. By conducting interviews with potential breeders, evaluating the health clearances of potential breeders, and finding a training specialist and a trainer, you can set yourself up for a successful relationship with your new German Shepherd.