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 purchased him and renamed the dog Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard states that hind angulation should be in line with front angulation and avoid over-angulation. Unfortunately this has lead to a sloped back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
When it comes to purchasing purebred German Shepherds, it is essential to choose a quality breeder. Reputable breeders will be able to provide you with detailed pedigrees and health clearances that will help you make an informed decision about the ideal German Shepherd for your home. They will provide you with useful details about the German Shepherd breed, and will be able to answer any questions you might have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to producing high-quality litters with sound grandparents and parents. They can also guarantee the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening them for common conditions and illnesses, such as hip dysplasia. This will help prevent the spread of this painful and debilitating condition within their breeding stock. It will also ensure that the pups sold to their new owners are healthy and happy.
Many breeders specialize in specific area of the breed, like service work or sport Schutzhund. They can then choose the most suitable parents to provide their pups the genetic background needed for their particular job. This ensures each puppy in a particular litter will have the proper personality, drive and physical traits to excel in the job they're destined to do.
Another factor to consider in a reputable German Shepherd breeder is the amount of time they devote to training their dogs. A good breeder will be able to demonstrate the skills of their dogs and talk about how they use them to protect and serve their families and communities. A trustworthy 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 protection of the breed. This is demonstrated by their dedication to the breeding training, care, and maintenance of their dogs as well as their involvement in events such as shows and trials. These activities allow them to assess their dog's performance objectively and select breeding stock and they also help promote the welfare of their dogs through providing seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder's business is built on the ability to produce dogs of high quality that are up to or exceeding the standards set by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder fails to meet this standard it will eventually impact their reputation.
Health Clearances
A responsible breeder will conduct health screenings on both parents before breeding to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases. Ask the breeder about the results of these screenings and if they are certified. A reputable breeder will have the pedigrees of their dog readily accessible for viewing.
German Shepherds are susceptible of hip and elbow dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will check their puppies for these and other conditions offer nutrition and exercise and provide continuous guidance and assistance to ensure their health.
Hemolytic anemia is a condition that causes red blood cells are destroyed 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 cause nausea, vomiting, and fever. Hemolytic anemia is treatable by prescription medications and other treatments.
German Shepherds can also be affected by cancer, a common inherited disease. It can manifest as tumors in the skin or in internal organs and is usually treated with radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel diseases are another common condition that can occur in German Shepherds. It can trigger abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Degenerative joint diseases are another common musculoskeletal issue that can affect German Shepherds. The wear and tear on joints can cause pain or even arthritis. Weight loss, exercise restriction and joint protection supplements are the most common treatments for joint pain.
A genetic disorder called degenerative myelopathy can be a progressive spinal cord disease that affects many breeds, including German Shepherds. This disease is more prevalent in white dogs, and is possible to develop when two "carriers" of the gene are crossed. The disease is still in investigation, and therefore it is not a requirement to have a DM is not required to be an CHIC through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, a trait owners often admire. If a GSD hasn't been appropriately socialized with other dogs and other dogs, its natural instincts may become problematic. This can result in excessive protection, which could include biting and barking. The best way to avoid this issue is to make sure that a puppy has had lots of exposure to various animals, people, and experiences during the critical socialization period of 3-14 weeks.
Breeders who are reputable will ensure that their puppies have a wide range of experiences, including those with people and animals. This is vital to ensure a well-adjusted dog an adult. This is essential for breeds that work and herd that are suspicious of strangers.
The process of exposing your puppy to new environments should be gradual, starting in less intimidating environments before moving on to more crowded ones. Positive reinforcement, treats and play can be used to help a puppy be involved in new experiences.
It is an excellent idea to expose your dog to a variety of things, sounds, and scents. schäferhund beschützerinstinkt will help the dog feel at home in many different settings, and also assist them in staying relaxed and calm.
As a responsible dog parent, you must be prepared to spend many hours exploring your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it develops. This will help them grow up to be happy, well-adjusted people.
German Shepherds are an intelligent and versatile breed that is extremely versatile and intelligent. They can be used as pets for families, police or herding dogs or even service dogs. Socialization and stimulation for the brain in the early years can prevent future issues with behavior. While genetics play an important role in a dogs development and temperament but they also have a significant effect on the dog's growth. If you're looking for an purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you find a breeder who is committed to providing the puppies with the appropriate environment and proper training. A well-adjusted German Shepherd is a joy to have and will provide you many years of love and companionship. They are an excellent choice for families who want an affectionate and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and versatile dogs who thrive when they are active. This breed is highly desired for its ability to herd, but they excel in a variety other tasks. They are confident and nimble in their pursuit of tasks and are a favorite among security experts from local K-9 police departments to all branches of the military throughout the world.
These dogs need a lot of mental and physical stimulation to prevent issues like hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you're interested in purchasing a German Shepherd, you should consider taking an obedience class with a professional trainer that is specialized in this breed. The trainer can assist you and your dog develop into an experienced, confident, and well-behaved couple.
German Shepherds have a long tradition of being bred for certain physical and temperamental traits and a high working ability. These are the objectives of a reputable German Shepherd breeder, which should be the foundation of any conversation you have with the breeder before you buy puppies. Unfortunately, many breeders of German Shepherds ignore these goals and concentrate on breeding dogs with an appearance or performance. A breeder might only focus on breeding dogs with gorgeous ears in order to win awards at competitions. This isn't a problem, but it's important to select a breeder that also places emphasis on the health of the dog.
This includes arm and hip certifications, as well as an ability to respond to questions from potential buyers. This is another aspect that separates reputable breeders from those who aren't. Breeders who aren't ethical will not bother to answer questions, or even spend the money needed to do so. They either do not bother to answer the question or lie about the answer.
The best German Shepherd breeder will offer an animal that has the perfect blend of herding instincts and intelligence. By conducting interviews with potential breeders, evaluating the health clearances of potential breeders, and finding an expert in training you can be set for a long-lasting relationship with your new German Shepherd.