Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
At a dog show in 1899 Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that perfectly matched his vision for the breed. He purchased him and changed his name to Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard states that hind angulation should be in line with front angulation, and to avoid over-angulation. Unfortunately this has lead to an inclined back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
When it comes to purchasing purebred German Shepherds, it's crucial to select a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will be able to provide you with detailed pedigrees and health certificates, which will allow you to make an informed choice about the most suitable German Shepherd for your home. They'll also offer you valuable information about the breed and answer any questions you may have.
Reputable German Shepherd Breeders are committed to bringing out litters of the highest quality that have sound grandparents and parents. They will also be able to guarantee the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening for common diseases and diseases, like hip dysplasia. This will help prevent the spread of this painful and debilitating disease in their breeding selection. It will also ensure that the puppies given to their new owners are healthy and happy.
A lot of breeders specialize in a specific breed, such as service work or sport Schutzhund. This allows them to recruit the best parents and give their pups an ideal genetic background for that specific purpose. This ensures that each puppy in a litter will have the drive, temperament, and physical traits required to be successful in the job.
A reputable German Shepherd Breeder will also spend much time training their dogs. A reputable breeder should be able to demonstrate the skills of their dogs and talk about how they can be used to safeguard and serve their families and communities. A reliable German Shepherd Breeder will have certified dog trainers as well as trained staff.
The final quality to look for is a breeder's dedication to the advancement and preservation of the breed. This is demonstrated by their dedication to breeding, training, and care of their dogs and their participation in events like trials and shows. These activities enable them to assess their dog's performance objectively and select breeding stock, and they also promote the well-being of their dogs by giving seminars and writing articles.
The reputation of a breeder's business is based on the ability to breed dogs of superior quality that exceed or meet the standards set forth by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder doesn't maintain this standard, it eventually will impact their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders conduct health screenings for both parents prior to breeding in order to reduce the risk of inheritable diseases. Ask the breeder about the results of these tests and whether or not they are certified. A reputable breeder will have the pedigrees of their dog readily accessible for inspection.
German Shepherds are susceptible of hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will test for these and other ailments ensure proper nutrition and exercise and provide continuous guidance and support to ensure the well-being of their pups.
German Shepherds, along with other large breeds of dogs are prone to hemolytic anemia. This condition occurs when red blood cells break up more quickly than normal. This condition can cause weakness and fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness, and a lack of energy. It can also lead to nausea, vomiting and fever. Fortunately hemolytic anemia can be treated by prescription medications as well as other treatments.
German Shepherds can also be affected by cancer, a frequent inherited condition. It can manifest as tumors in the skin or internal organs, and is typically treated through radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel diseases are another frequent condition that can be found in German Shepherds. It can trigger abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss.
German Shepherds may also be affected by degenerative joint diseases. It's the result of wear and tear that occurs on joints over time which can lead to discomfort or even arthritis. Treatment for joint problems usually involves weight reduction, exercise restrictions and joint protection supplements and other medications.
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive spinal disorder caused by a genetic disorder can affect any breed of dog including German Shepherds. The disease is more common in white dogs, and it is possible to develop when two "carriers" of the gene are crossed. The condition is still under research, so the DM is not required to receive an CHIC through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, a trait owners often admire. However should the GSD is not properly socialized to people and other dogs, this natural instinct could be a problem for the dog. It can result in overprotection, which can include barking and biting. The best way to avoid this problem is by making sure that a puppy has had ample exposure to different people, dogs, and experiences throughout the crucial socialization period of 3-14 weeks.
The most reputable breeders ensure that their puppies are exposed to a range of animals, people and experiences early on. This is crucial to ensure a well-adjusted dog an adult. This is essential for breeds that are herding and working, which can be naturally insecure about strangers.

The process of exposing your puppy to new situations should be done slowly, starting in less intimidating environments before moving on to more crowded ones. Positive reinforcement, treats and play should be used to encourage the puppy to be involved in new experiences.
deutscher schäferhund lebenserwartung is an excellent idea to expose your dog to different terrains, noises and smells. This will help the dog feel more at home in many different settings and will also aid them in becoming more relaxed and calm.
As a responsible dog owner you must be ready to expose your German Shepherd puppy to a variety of new experiences as they grow. This will help them develop into happy, well-adjusted and comfortable people.
German Shepherds are a highly intelligent and adaptable breed with a wide range of uses. They can be family pets, service dogs and even police or herding dogs. While genetics plays a large influence on a dog's development and temperament, early stimulation of the brain and socialization can significantly reduce the likelihood of future behavioral issues. If you're looking to purchase an purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you find breeders who are committed to providing the puppies with the proper environment and proper 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 an affectionate and trustworthy dog.
Training
German Shepherds are intelligent and versatile dogs who thrive when they're active. The German Shepherd is sought-after due to its ability to herd, but it excels in many other facets. They are adamant and unflinching in their pursuit of tasks and are a favorite among security experts from local police departments for K-9s to every branch of the military across the globe.
These dogs need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to prevent issues such as separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you're considering purchasing a German Shepherd, you should consider taking an obedience class with a professional trainer that specializes in this breed. The trainer can assist you and your dog develop into a well trained, confident and well behaved pair.
German Shepherds have a long-standing tradition of being bred to have certain physical and temperamental traits as well as a superior ability to work. This is the objective of a reliable German Shepherd Breeder and should be the basis for any discussion with the breeder prior to purchasing puppies. Many breeders forget about these goals and focus more on breeding dogs that look a particular way or for specific performance characteristics. For instance, a breeder may only concentrate on breeding dogs with beautiful ears in order that they can win awards in competitions. While there's nothing wrong with that however, it's crucial to choose a breeder that is also focused on soundness in the dogs they produce.
This includes elbow and hip certifications and the willingness to answer questions from potential buyers. This is a different method to differentiate between legitimate breeders from those that aren't. Breeders who are unethical will not take the time to answer questions, or even spend the money needed to answer questions. They will either ignore the question or deny the answer.
The best German Shepherd breeder can offer a puppy with the perfect blend of herding instincts, intelligence and flexibility. Interviewing potential breeders and assessing their health clearances is the best method to ensure a positive relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.