Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder
At a dog show in 1899 Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that was perfect for his ideals for the breed. He bought him and renamed Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard states that the hind angulation must match the front angulation, in order to avoid over-angulation. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a sloped back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
When it comes to acquiring purebred German Shepherds, it's essential to select a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder can provide you with thorough pedigrees and health clearances that will allow you to make an informed decision about the ideal German Shepherd for your home. They'll also provide you with valuable information about the breed as well as answer any questions you may have.
Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to delivering high-quality litters with sound parents and grandparents. They are also able to guarantee the genetic soundness of their dogs by screening for common illnesses and diseases, like hip dysplasia. This will stop the spread of this debilitating and painful condition among their breeding stock, while ensuring that the puppies they sell 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 sport. This allows them to recruit the most competent parents and give their pups the ideal genetic background for the specific role. This ensures that each puppy from a particular litter will have the right personality, drive and physical characteristics to succeed in the desired role.
A reputable German Shepherd Breeder will also spend many hours working with their dogs. A good breeder must be able to demonstrate the capabilities of his dogs and explain how they can protect and serve 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 commitment to the advancement and protection of the breed. This is evidenced by their commitment to breeding training, care, and maintenance of their dogs and their involvement in events like trials and shows. These activities allow 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 is ultimately dependent on their ability to breed dogs of high quality that exceed or meet the standards set by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder doesn't maintain this standard, it will eventually affect their reputation.
Health Clearances
A responsible breeder will conduct health screenings on both parents before breeding to mitigate the risk of hereditary diseases. Ask the breeder if results of the tests are verified. A reputable breeder will also have the pedigrees of their dogs readily available for viewing.
German Shepherds are susceptible of elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will test their pups for these and other conditions offer nutrition and exercise and provide constant guidance and assistance to ensure their well-being.
Hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells are destroyed more quickly than they should, is common in German Shepherds as well as other large breed dogs. This condition can cause fatigue, weakness dizziness, lightheadedness and dizziness. It can also trigger fever, nausea, and vomiting. Hemolytic anemia is treatable by prescription medications and other therapies.
German Shepherds are also affected by cancer, a frequent inherited condition. It can appear as skin tumors or in internal organs and is typically treated using radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel diseases are another common condition that can occur in German Shepherds. It's a condition that causes diarrhea and abdominal pain, as well as weight loss and other symptoms.
reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund may also be affected by degenerative joint diseases. The wear and tear of joints can cause pain or even arthritis. Treatment for joint problems usually involves weight loss, exercise restrictions and joint protection supplements and other medications.
Degenerative myelopathy, a degenerative spinal condition caused by a genetic disorder can be a problem for any breed of dog, including German Shepherds. This disease is more prevalent in white dogs and is possible to develop when two "carriers" of the gene are crossed. However, this disease is still being studied and therefore the DM test is not necessary for a dog to be issued a CHIC number through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are incredibly protective in nature, something that owners admire. If you find that a GSD is not properly socialized with people and other dogs, its instincts may become problematic. This can result in excessive protection, which can include barking and biting. The best way to prevent this problem is by making sure that a puppy has had ample exposure to different people, dogs, and experiences throughout the crucial period of socialization, which is between 3 and 14 weeks.
Breeders with a good reputation will ensure that their puppies have a wide range of experiences, including those with people and animals. This is vital to a well-adjusted dog at an adult age. This is essential for breeds that are herding and working that are naturally cautious of strangers.

Experimenting with new environments should be gradual beginning in less threatening environments before moving on to more crowded ones. Positive reinforcement, play, and treats should be used to encourage the puppy to engage with new experiences.
Experimenting with the dog in various scents, sounds and environments is also a good idea. This will help the dog feel more at home in a variety of settings, and also aid them in becoming more relaxed and calm.
As a responsible dog-parent you should be prepared to spend many hours in exposing your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it grows. This will allow them to grow up to be happy, well-adjusted and comfortable people.
German Shepherds are an extremely intelligent and adaptable breed that is extremely versatile and intelligent. They can be used as family pets, service dogs or even police dogs or herding dogs. Early neurological stimulation and socialization can prevent future issues with behavior. While genetics play an important influence on a dog's development and temperament however, they also have a significant effect on the dog's development. If you are looking for an purebred German Shepherd, be sure to find a reputable breeder who is dedicated to providing their puppies with the best environment and proper training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a pleasure to have and will give you many years of companionship. They are a great option for families who are looking for a loving and loyal dog.
Training
German Shepherds are smart multi-faceted dogs that thrive when active. The German Shepherd is sought-after for its ability to herd however, it excels in many other facets. They are confident and fearless in their pursuit of duties which makes them popular with security experts from local K-9 police departments to every branch of the military across the world.
These dogs need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to avoid issues like hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you are considering getting a German Shepherd you should take an obedience class with an experienced professional trainer who specializes in this breed. The trainer can assist you and your dog become a well trained, confident and well-behaved pair.
The German Shepherd has a long tradition of being bred to develop certain physical and temperamental traits and also to be able to work well. This is the objective of a reputable German Shepherd Breeder and should be the foundation for any discussion with the breeder prior to buying puppies. Unfortunately, a lot of breeders forget about these goals and concentrate more on breeding dogs that look in a certain way or to have certain performance qualities. For example a breeder might concentrate on breeding dogs with beautiful ears in order that they can win awards at competitions. While there's nothing wrong with this, it's important to find a breeder who also focuses on the soundness of the dogs they produce.
reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund 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. Unscrupulous breeders aren't likely to take the time or expense to answer a question which is why they simply ignore it or cover up the answer.
The best German Shepherd breeder can offer an animal that has the perfect blend of herding instincts, intelligence, and flexibility. Interviewing potential breeders and reviewing their health clearances is the best way to ensure a successful relationship between you and your new German Shepherd.