At a dog show in 1899 Von Stephanitz saw a dog named Hektor Linksrhein that was perfect for his ideas about the breed. He purchased him and changed his name to Horand von Grafrath.
The breed standard states that the hind angulation should be in line with the front angulation and to avoid over-angulation. Unfortunately this has lead to a sloped back conformation in many show-strain dogs.
Reputable Breeders
It's important to choose a reliable breeder when purchasing purebred German Shepherds. Breeders who are reputable can provide you with comprehensive pedigrees and health clearances that can aid you in making an informed choice about 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 parents and grandparents. They can also guarantee genetic soundness of their dogs by examining them for common illnesses and conditions like hip dysplasia. This helps to prevent the spread of this painful and debilitating condition to their breeding stock, while also ensuring that the puppies they sell have healthy, happy lives with their new owners.
A lot of breeders specialize in a specific breed, such as service work or sport Schutzhund. This allows them to recruit the most competent parents and provide their pups with an ideal genetic background to serve this specific task. This ensures that every puppy from a litter will possess the drive, temperament, and physical traits required to succeed in the desired job.
Another thing to look for in a reliable German Shepherd breeder is the amount of time they spend training their dogs. A good breeder should be able to demonstrate the abilities of his dogs and explain how they can help families and communities. A trustworthy German Shepherd Breeder will have certified dog trainers and a trained staff.
The last quality to look for in a reputable German shepherd breeder is dedication to the preservation and advancement of the breed. This is demonstrated by their dedication to breeding and training of their dogs, and also their involvement in shows and trials. These activities enable them to objectively select breeding dogs and improve the welfare of dogs by conducting seminars and writing articles.
In the end, a breeder's reputation is based on their capacity to produce high-quality dogs that exceed or meet the standards established by the German Shepherd Club of America. If a breeder does not adhere to this standard, it eventually will impact their reputation.
Health Clearances
Responsible breeders conduct health screenings of both parents prior to breeding in order to reduce the risk of developing hereditary diseases. Ask the breeder if the results of the tests are certified. A reputable breeder should have the pedigrees of their dogs available for viewing.
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 diseases ensure adequate nutrition and exercise, and provide continuous guidance and support to ensure the well-being of their puppies.
German Shepherds, along with other large breeds of dogs, are susceptible to hemolytic anemia. This is a condition that occurs when red blood cells break up more quickly than normal. This can cause weakness dizziness, fatigue lightheadedness, and low energy level. It can also cause fever, nausea and vomiting. Fortunately hemolytic anemia can be treated with prescription medications as well as other treatments.
Cancer is a different common inherited disease that can affect German Shepherds. It can manifest as tumors in the skin or in internal organs, and is typically treated by chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
Inflammatory bowel diseases are another common condition that occurs in German Shepherds. It can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
German Shepherds may also be afflicted by degenerative joint disease. The wear and tear of joints can cause pain or even arthritis. Treatment for joint problems typically includes weight loss, exercise restrictions and joint protection supplements and other medication.
Degenerative myelopathy, a progressive spinal disease caused by a genetic disorder, can be a problem for any breed of dog, including German Shepherds. This condition is more common in white dogs and may be caused by two "carriers" who are bred together. But, the disease is not yet fully understood, and so the DM test is not necessary for a dog to receive a CHIC number through OFA.
Socialization
German Shepherds are naturally protective, which owners often admire. If you find that a GSD is not appropriately socialized with other dogs and other dogs, schäferhundwelpen (Resource) its natural instincts can be an issue. This can result in excessive protection, which can include barking and biting. The best way to avoid this issue is to make sure that a puppy has had plenty of exposure to various animals, people, and experiences during the crucial period of socialization, which is between 3 and 14 weeks.
Breeders with a good reputation will ensure that their puppies are exposed to a variety of experiences, including people and animals. This is vital to ensure a well-adjusted dog an adult. This is crucial for breeds that are herding and working that are naturally insecure about strangers.
The process of exposing your puppy to new environments should be gradual beginning in less stressful environments before moving on to more crowded ones. Positive reinforcement, treats and play are the best ways to motivate the puppy to be involved in new experiences.
It is also a good idea to expose your dog to different types of environments, sounds and smells. This will help the dog feel at home in a variety of settings and will also assist them in staying calm and relaxed.
As a responsible dog-parent you should be prepared to spend many hours exploring your German Shepherd pup to new experiences as it develops. This will allow them to grow up to be happy, well-adjusted people.
German Shepherds are a highly intelligent and versatile breed with a wide range of uses. They can be used as family pets, service dogs or even police or herding dogs. Socialization and stimulation of the brain early can help prevent future behavioral issues. While genetics play a significant influence on a dog's development and temperament, they also have a significant effect on the dog's growth. If you are looking for an purebred German Shepherd, be sure to find a reputable breeder who is committed to giving their puppies the best environment and proper training. A well-adjusted German shepherd is a pleasure to have and will provide you with many years of companionship. They are a wonderful option for families looking for 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 roles. They are confident and fearless in their pursuit of duties and are a favorite among security experts from local K-9 police departments to all branches of the military around the world.
They require a lot of physical and mental stimulation to keep them from developing problems such as separation anxiety and hyperactivity. If you're thinking of purchasing a German Shepherd, you should consider taking an obedience class with a professional trainer that specializes in this breed. The trainer will have the skills necessary to help you and your dog develop into a well-trained and confident pair.
German Shepherds have a long tradition of being bred for certain physical and temperamental traits, as well a high working ability. This is the aim of a reliable German Shepherd Breeder and should be the basis for any discussion with the breeder before purchasing a puppy. Unfortunately, many breeders fail to see these objectives and focus more on breeding dogs to appear like a certain way or have specific performance characteristics. 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 however, it's crucial to find a breeder that also emphasizes soundness in the dogs they produce.
This includes elbow and hip certifications as well as the ability to answer questions from potential buyers. This is a further aspect that distinguishes legitimate breeders from the unethical ones. Unethical breeders typically don't want to invest the time or money to answer a question and so they either ignore it or lie about the answer.
The right German Shepherd breeder will offer a puppy with the perfect blend of instincts for herding and intelligence. By interviewing potential breeders, reviewing the health clearances of potential breeders, and finding an expert in training, you can set yourself up for a successful relationship with your new German Shepherd.
