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 stipulates that the hind angulation should match the front angulation, and to avoid over-angulation. This has resulted in a sloped-back conformation among many dogs of show-strains.
Reputable Breeders
When it comes to acquiring purebred German Shepherds, it is essential to choose a quality breeder. Breeders who are reputable can provide you with detailed pedigrees as well as health certificates that can help you make a more informed decision on the German Shepherd you want for your home. They'll also be able to provide you with useful information about the breed and answer any questions you may have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to producing high-quality litters that have sound grandparents and parents. They will also be in a position to ensure the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening for common ailments and diseases, like hip dysplasia. This will stop the spread of this debilitating and painful condition in their breeding stock, while ensuring that the puppies they offer will live healthy, happy lives with their new owners.
Breeders usually specialize in specific areas of the breed, such as Schutzhund for service work or Schutzhund for sports. They can then choose the best parents to provide their puppies the genetic background they require to fulfill their specific needs. This ensures that every puppy from a litter will possess the temperament, drive, and physical characteristics needed to succeed in the desired role.
Another thing to look for in a reputable German Shepherd breeder is the amount of time they devote to training their dogs. A good breeder must be able to demonstrate the abilities of his dogs and explain how they can protect and serve families as well as communities. A reputable German Shepherd Breeder will have certified dog trainers and a trained staff.
The final trait to look for in a reliable German shepherd breeder is their commitment to the protection and advancement of the breed. This is evident by their dedication to breeding training, care, and maintenance of their dogs and their participation in events such as shows and trials. These activities enable them to objectively evaluate and select breeding stock, and they also promote the well-being of their dogs by offering seminars and writing articles.
In the end, a breeder's reputation is based on their ability to produce high-quality dogs that meet or exceed the standards established by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder fails to meet this standard and standards, it could affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders conduct health screenings on both parents prior to breeding in order to reduce the risk of developing hereditary diseases. Ask the breeder if the results of the screenings are verified. A reputable breeder will also have the pedigrees of their dog readily accessible for viewing.
German Shepherds are prone to hereditary health conditions, like hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will test for these and other diseases, provide proper nutrition and exercise and offer 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 occurs when red blood cells break more quickly than normal. This can cause weakness, fatigue, dizziness as well as lightheadedness and feeling of fatigue. It can also cause nausea, vomiting and fever. Fortunately hemolytic anemia can be treated by prescription medications as well as other treatments.
Cancer is a common disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can manifest as skin tumors or in internal organs and it's usually treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel disease is a common condition that can occur in German Shepherds. It can trigger abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss.
Degenerative joint disease is a common musculoskeletal problem that can affect German Shepherds. It's a result of the wear and tear that occurs on joints over time, which can result in discomfort or even arthritis. Weight loss, exercise restriction and joint protection supplements are the most common treatments for joint problems.
Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive spinal disease caused by a genetic disorder can affect any breed of dog, including German Shepherds. This disease is more prevalent in white dogs and can occur when two "carriers" of the gene are crossed. The condition is still under research, so a DM is not required to be an CHIC from OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, a characteristic owners often admire. If a GSD hasn't been well-socialized with humans and other dogs, their natural instincts can become an issue. This can lead to excessive protection, which could include barking and biting. The best way to avoid this issue is to make sure that a puppy has had ample exposure to various people, dogs, and experiences during the critical period of socialization that lasts from 3 to 14 weeks.
Breeders who are trustworthy will ensure that their pups have a wide range of experiences, which includes people and animals. This is vital for a well-adjusted dog when they become an adult. This is especially important for working breeds and herding breeds that are fearful of strangers.
The introduction of a puppy to new experiences should be handled carefully, beginning with less stressful environments and gradually moving to busier environments. Positive reinforcement, treats and play are the best ways to motivate the puppy to be involved in new experiences.
It is an excellent idea to expose your dog to different types of environments, sounds and smells. This will allow the dog to feel at home in many different settings and will also assist them in staying calm and relaxed.
As a responsible dog-owner You should be prepared to spend time exposing 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 an intelligent and adaptable breed with a wide range of uses. They can be household pets, service dogs and even police dogs or herding dogs. Genetics play a major part in the development of a dog's and temperament, early neurological stimulation and socialization could significantly reduce the risk of future behavioral problems. If you're looking for an purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you find breeders who are committed to providing the puppies with the proper environment and the right training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a delight to have and will provide you with years of companionship. They are a great choice for active families that are looking for a loving and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart multi-faceted dogs that thrive when active. This breed is highly sought-after for their ability to herd, but they also excel in a variety of other tasks. They are confident and fearless in their pursuit of duties. This makes them popular among security professionals, from local K-9 departments to all branches of the military.
They require plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them from developing problems such as separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you're interested in purchasing a German Shepherd you should take an obedience class from an experienced professional trainer who specializes in this breed. The trainer will be able to help you and the dog become a well trained, confident and well-behaved pair.
The German Shepherd has a long history of being bred for certain traits in temperament and physical and also to have high working aptitude. These are the objectives of an experienced German Shepherd breeder, which should be the basis of any discussion you have with the breeder prior to deciding to purchase puppies. Unfortunately, many breeders lose sight of these goals and focus more on breeding dogs to look like a certain way or have specific performance characteristics. For example a breeder might focus on producing dogs with beautiful ears in order that they can be awarded in competitions. While there's nothing wrong with this but it's essential to choose a breeder that also focuses on soundness in the dogs they breed.
schäferhundwelpen includes elbow and hip certifications and the willingness to answer questions from prospective buyers. This is another aspect that differentiates good breeders from those who aren't. Breeders who are unethical will not bother to answer questions or invest the money required to answer questions. They will either ignore the question or deny the answer.
The right German Shepherd breeder can offer an animal that has the perfect blend of herding instincts, intelligence and versatility. Conducting interviews with potential breeders and evaluating their health clearances is the best method to ensure a good relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.