Choosing a Purebred German Shepherd Breeder

At an exhibition of dogs in 1899, Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that perfectly matched his ideals for the breed. He purchased him and renamed him Horand von Grafrath.

The breed standard states that hind angulation should be in line with front angulation, and to avoid over-angulation. This has unfortunately led to a sloped-back conformation among many dogs of show-strains.

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When it comes time to purchase purebred German Shepherds, it is essential to select a reputable breeder. Breeders with a good reputation can provide you with thorough pedigrees and health clearances that will allow you to make an informed choice on the most suitable German Shepherd for your home. They'll also be able to provide you with valuable information on the breed and answer any questions that you might have.

Reputable German Shepherd breeders are committed to delivering high-quality litters with sound grandparents and parents. They will also be able to guarantee the genetic soundness of their dogs through screening for common diseases and conditions, such as hip dysplasia. This will stop the spread of this painful and debilitating condition to their breeding stock, while ensuring that the puppies they sell will live healthy, happy lives with their new owners.

Breeders often specialize in certain areas of the breed such as Schutzhund for service work or Schutzhund for sport. This enables them to find the most competent parents and give their pups an ideal genetic background for the specific role. This ensures that every puppy in the particular litter will possess the appropriate mental, physical and temperament qualities to perform in the job they're destined to do.

A trustworthy German Shepherd Breeder will also spend many hours training their dogs. A good breeder must be able to demonstrate the capabilities of his dogs and explain how they protect and serve families and communities. A reliable German Shepherd breeder will also have certified, trained dog trainers on staff.

The last trait to look for is a breeder's commitment to the advancement and conservation of the breed. This is evident in their dedication to breeding, care, and training of their dogs as well as participation in events like trials and shows. These activities enable them to make an objective selection of breeding stock and promote the welfare of dogs through conducting seminars and writing articles.


The reputation of a breeder is built on the ability to breed dogs of high quality that exceed or meet the standards set by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder does not meet this standard and standards, it could affect their reputation.

Health Clearances

A responsible breeder will conduct health screenings on both parents before breeding to reduce the risk of inheritable diseases. Ask the breeder about the results of these screenings and whether or not they are certified. A reputable breeder should have their dog's pedigrees readily available.

German Shepherds are at risk of hereditary health conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy. Responsible breeders will test for these and other conditions ensure proper nutrition and exercise, and offer continuous guidance and support to ensure the well-being of their puppies.

Hemolytic anemia, a condition in which red blood cells breakdown faster than they should and 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 can be treated with prescription drugs as well as other treatments.

German Shepherds are also affected by cancer, another common inherited condition. It can manifest as tumors on the skin or internal organs, and is typically treated through radiation, chemotherapy or surgery.

Inflammatory bowel diseases are another common condition that occurs in German Shepherds. It can trigger abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

German Shepherds can also be affected by degenerative joint diseases. The wear and tear on joints can cause pain or even arthritis. Treatment for joint pain typically includes weight loss, exercise limitations, joint protection supplements, and other medication.

Degenerative myelopathy, a degenerative spinal disorder caused by a genetic disorder can affect any breed of dog including German Shepherds. This condition is more prevalent in white dogs, and is possible to develop when two "carriers" of the gene crossbred. But, the disease is still being studied, and so the DM test is not necessary for a dog to receive a CHIC number through OFA.

Socialization

German Shepherds are naturally protective, a characteristic owners often admire. If a GSD is not properly socialized with people and other dogs, its instincts may become problematic. This can lead to excessive protection, which could include biting and barking. It is recommended to ensure that your puppy has had exposure to a variety of people or dogs, and situations and experiences during its crucial period of socialization between 3-14 weeks.

Most reputable breeders make sure that their puppies are exposed to a range of people, animals and experiences from the beginning. This is vital to a well-adjusted dog at an adult age. This is essential for working and herding breeds, which can be naturally insecure about strangers.

Experimenting with new environments should be gradual beginning in less threatening environments before moving on to more crowded ones. Positive reinforcement, treats, and even play can be used to encourage a puppy to take part in new experiences.

It is also a good idea to expose your dog to different types of things, sounds, and scents. This will help your dog feel at ease in a variety settings and will help them to be more calm and relaxed.

As a responsible dog owner You must be prepared to spend a lot of time exploring your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it develops. This will help them become happy and well-adjusted as adults.

German Shepherds are an intelligent and adaptable breed with a wide range of uses. They can be used as family pets, service dogs and even herding or police dogs. Genetics play a major influence on a dog's development and temperament, early stimulation of the brain and socialization could significantly reduce the likelihood of future behavioral issues. If you're in the market for an purebred German Shepherd puppy, make sure you choose an breeder who is committed to providing their puppies with the right 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 wonderful choice for families who want an affectionate and loyal dog.

Training

German Shepherds are smart, versatile dogs that thrive on being active. The German Shepherd is sought-after for its ability to herd but they excel in many other capacities. They are confident and nimble in their pursuit of responsibilities, making them popular with security experts from local K-9 police departments to all branches of the military across the world.

This is why these dogs require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them from developing problems like hyperactivity and separation anxiety. If you're considering getting a German Shepherd, you should consider taking an obedience class with a professional trainer who 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 history of being bred for certain physical and temperamental characteristics as well as a superior working ability. These are the main goals of a reputable German Shepherd breeder, which should be the foundation of any conversation you have with the breeder prior to making the decision to buy a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of breeders of German Shepherds ignore these goals and focus on breeding dogs with an appearance or performance. For example, a breeder may only focus on producing dogs with beautiful ears so they can be awarded in competitions. There's nothing wrong about this however, it's crucial to choose a breeder who also places emphasis on the health of the dog.

This includes hip and arm certifications and the ability to answer inquiries from potential buyers. This is a further aspect that distinguishes legitimate breeders from those who aren't. Unscrupulous breeders aren't likely to take the time or expense to answer a question and so they either ignore it or lie about the answer.

The ideal German Shepherd breeder can offer a puppy that is the perfect mix of herding instincts, intelligence and versatility. By conducting interviews with potential breeders, evaluating the health clearances of potential breeders, and finding an expert in training, you can prepare yourself for a long-lasting relationship with your new German Shepherd.