/american Show Line German Shepherds
The most interesting types of german shepherds are The American German Shepherds This type is the most seen Shepherds in the U.S. and Canada. These types of shepherd dogs are the most different of all the Shepherd variations. Since they are a combination of many bloodlines, you may notice that an American Shepherd is more substantial in build and their heads and muzzles are shorter.
American show line German Shepherds are most generally black and tan than the other german shepherd breed types, though, with specific breeding, they can be a variety of colours. They are generally lighter and have more of a sloping gait and longer hocks than their European relatives. Their underbellies are thicker, as are their chest portions.
Because of the backyard breeding problem among Shepherds in America, many of these German Shepherd Breed Types are passed off as champions but are muddied down. So, if you want a show-quality Shepherd, be sure to do your homework. Proven bloodlines are a must to ensure good temperament and quality.
Backyard breeding has led to these guys getting quite a bad rap. You may see people selling shepherds claiming strong champion bloodlines, but these may not be authentic. While people may not breed these dogs to be irresponsible, it leads to many undesirable traits, such as nervousness, aggression, and various health issues.
American Show Line German Shepherds
American Show Line German Shepherds Price
Heath Considerations: What To Know About The Black German Shepherd
In addition to the Bloat that we mentioned in the feeding section, large dogs are also more prone to issues with their hips, elbows, and joints. For example, Hip/Elbow Dysplasia is very common to German Shepherds. This condition is caused by abnormal development and leads to pain and disability. It can usually be treated with medication, physical therapy, or surgery in extreme cases. And you may be able to avoid it altogether by checking the hip scores of your puppys parents. All reputable breeders will have this information available.
Osteoarthritis is also common in large breeds as they age. This condition causes the joints to deteriorate over time, leading to pain and disability as well. However, it can be managed successfully with medications and supplements.
The best way to help your Black German Shepherd live a long and healthy life is to keep up with his annual vet visits. Preventative medications and vaccinations are an integral part of raising a happy, healthy pup!
Bone And Joint Problems
A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in German Shepherd Dogs. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. With diligent observation at home and knowledge about the diseases that may affect your friend’s bones, joints, or muscles, you will be able to take great care of him throughout his life.
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Types Of German Shepherd By Origin
Another way to classify this breed is by paying attention to its origin. This form includes specifications about the role that the dog should play.
1. American Show Line German Shepherd
They are bred in North America primarily to appear in dog competitions. They are characterized by having a proportionate and muscular body, with hard and rough fur. If we compare this type with the European varieties, they are usually taller.
As this classification only depends on the place of origin , the color can vary among all those that the German Shepherd presents: sable, black, white or bicolor.
The personality of this German Shepherd is laid back. In this way, they are perfect to fulfill the role of a companion dog. They stand out for being agile and playful, and they love spending time with their owners.
2. West German Show Line German Shepherd
This variety tends to attract more attention at first glance, since breeders are concerned with obtaining proportionate dogs that meet all the characteristics required by the breed standards. Thus, they stand out for their beauty and good character.
3. East German Working Line German Shepherd
These working dogs are characterized by being intelligent and intuitive. For this reason, they are trained to handle stressful situations. Although they are so professionally dedicated, as pets they are calm, loyal and protective .
4. West German Working Line German Shepherd
5. Czech Working Line German Shepherd
Maturity And Breeding Ages
Dog breeds dont vary that much in maturity times, but there is a bit of difference depending on size and breed specifications. A German shepherd reaches sexual maturity around 2 years of age. There are a few other more general factors to consider as well, such as ages for testing viability and even emotional maturity in females.
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How To Care For A German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherds are not an independent dog breed. They require constant attention, training, and care.
Grooming Requirements
It is easy to maintain the coat of your German Shepherd. You have to brush your dog every week or so to keep its coat in check. This helps remove loose hair and distribute natural oils throughout the animals fur coat. Using a rubber brush with firm bristles will help get rid of dead hair in between brushing sessions. However, avoid using the hard bristle brush on your pet because it will irritate its skin enough to cause hair loss!
The German Shepherds face should be washed once a week using a damp cloth soaked in warm water and mild soap. The dogs eyes and ears do not need much cleaning, but if in doubt, use a clean and wet eye cloth to gently wipe out any dirt or debris.
Be careful not to use any chemicals when bathing your German Shepherd. You can use pet shampoos and conditioners for their coats, but avoid using shampoo with bleach because it may cause irritations such as skin irritation and itching.
German Shepherd nails should be cut at least weekly or bi-weekly if kept on a leash or in otherwise close proximity to other dogs. However, you should not clip too short that the nails become pasty and bleed easily.
Diet and Feeding
Providing your pet with a nutritious diet shows them how much you care. Your dogs behaviour, skin and coat can be improved with a healthy, nutritious diet.
Activity and Exercise Requirements
Lifetime Expenses Of Owning A German Shepherd
The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is 9 to 13 years. Within this period, you will need to provide everything they need to live out their carefree lives.
From the data I discussed in the former section, we can compute the lifetime expenses of having a German Shepherd puppy companion.
The estimated expenses for the first year cost around $2,795 to $5,495, including the puppy.
Assuming that the average monthly cost for your dog is $160 for the succeeding years, we can estimate that the lifetime cost of tending a GSD is around $18,155 to $25,835.
However, this amount doesnt include miscellaneous expenses that may arise. Emergencies can happen anytime and you need to financially prepare for these situations.
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Effects Of Breeding Older Than Recommended Gsd
Male GSD should not be bred after 10 years as the quality of sperms starts deteriorating. After 8 years, you might want to check with the vet and test the same.
Female GSDs should not be bred after 8 years. As with aging, the quality of eggs would deteriorate. It would be harder for her to keep up with the full term of pregnancy.
She should also not be bred continuously without breaking for a season. This may have negative effects on both her and the litters.
Why Do Purebred German Shepherds Cost A Lot
There are a lot of things that go into the cost of a German Shepherd. The costs listed below do not include the cost of raising and caring for the Dam . Caring for a mother dog can cost about $1,500 a year. If she is actively going to shows, the cost goes up to about $3,500 a year.
Breeding Costs
There are a couple of costs related to breeding. The most obvious is the stud fee. A breeder will pay up to and beyond the $1,000 stud fee. About 40% of matings are successful. This means the breeder may have to try more than once.
There are also medical costs related to breeding. These costs include health screenings and any medical costs related to injury during mating. Health screenings cost about $500. Medical costs due to injury can vary.
Whelping Supplies are another cost. They are around $100+ for the whelping box, blankets, and other supplies needed to provide a safe and comfortable place for the Dam to have her puppies.
Costs of Raising the Puppies
Breeders also spend a lot of money on puppies when they are young. Puppies stay with their mom and breeder until they are seven to nine weeks old.
Breeders have to pay to have the puppies registered. Registration fees are about $25 plus an additional $2 for each puppy. Puppy litters can be anywhere from one to twelve puppies. Meaning a breeder can pay up to and, possibly beyond, $50 just to register the birth.
Puppies will also need their own crates once they are big enough. A Puppy crate can cost $50-$100.
Medical Costs
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When To Be On Guard For A Wolf Attacking A German Shepherd
For many of us, wolves present little threat in our daily lives. North America only has 18,000 wolves left in the wild, and most of them live in Alaska. However, it doesnt take a great deal of wolves to cause a significant amount of damage. If there are wolves in your area, its important to be aware of the threat they pose.
How To Breed German Shepherds
If you are wondering how to breed German Shepherds of high quality, and especially if you are new to breeding GSDs, there are plenty questions you must have in mind. Were giving you GSD-specific knowledge below so you can be prepared for your next German Shepherd litter of puppies.
Remember that all dog breeds from Chihuahuas to Great Danes are all part of the same species and for 99% of things related to dog breeding, they are the same. This is why we recommend you to grab a copy of our bestselling ebook, The Dog Breeders Handbook.
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How To Breed German Shepherd Dogs
Learning how to breed German shepherd dogs requires knowledge, professionalism and ethics, and it therefore encompasses more than just letting a stud dog meet a female dog in heat and then waiting for the birth of puppies 63 days later. The German shepherd breed requires attentive care to prevent flaws and hereditary problems from being passed down from one generation to another. It also requires paying attention to temperament, something that too often is sadly neglected. The work of a breeder doesn’t stop with the birth of the puppies. Puppies need to be socialized, provided with training and gentle handling so to build a foundation that will turn being priceless to the new owners.
How to Breed German Shepherd Dogs
Learning how to breed German shepherd dogs, takes much more than simple passion. Breeding is a science, and as such, it takes a certain level of devotion, knowledge and commitment. The ethical breeder must understand that the practice is time consuming, expensive, and sadly, at times even heartbreaking. Breeding is not a matter of making fast money nor it is of letting children experience the miracle of birth.
The ultimate goal of breeding German shepherd dogs is to improve a breed that the breeder is enamored of, and willing to devote as much time on learning as possible.
Choosing a German Shepherd Puppy
Age to Breed a German Shepherd
Tips To Breed German Shepherd
Let us look at the few tips that you can follow for breeding your male or female GSD.
Tip 1) Check if your German shepherd is at the right age to breed and get her tested by thevet for her health and genetics.
Tip 2) Look for the right mating partner for your dog that has healthy genes. Look for quality and experienced breeder for the same.
Tip 3) Collect all the lineage information of him/her especially focusing on the physical traits that you are aiming for. As genes of male and female dogs would be passed on and there would be a better chance for you to have your specific type of litter.
Tip 4) Breeder may also want to physically examine your dog to make your they both have healthy offsprings.
Tip 5) Discuss the contract and fees associated. Sometimes breeders may be interested in the number of litters.
Tip 6) Think, plan and check the contract for failed pregnancy.
Tip 7) Decide early where the breeding would happen.
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Daily Routine For A Happy German Shepherd Dog
As a first-time parent with a GSD, you might find it difficult at first. You will gradually become accustomed to the day-to-day Routine of your favourite dog. You can expect your puppys first week to have a schedule similar to this:
Early morning:
Time for the first potty break of the day! Dont be surprised if your puppy needs to go out at the crack of dawn or even earlier.
Breakfast time:
Your puppy can be fed breakfast right away after taking a potty break, or you can wait a little longer and let her sleep for a while.
Mid-morning:
Take your puppy for another small meal and a potty break.
Afternoon:
Potty time followed dinner.
About The Breed: German Shepherd
The German Shepherd is a medium to large-sized working dog. Abbreviated as GSD, German Shepherds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, ranking second in our 2019 analysis of the top 50 dog breeds.
Originally bred to be herding dogs, the intelligence and agility of German Shepherds made them stand out and seen in many types of work today. Thanks to their strength, obedience, and trainability, German Shepherds make great working dogs as well as family pets.
In this edition of About The Breed, well look at the breed characteristics of the German Shepherd, examine the history of the breed, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
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Finding A German Shepherd Breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the German shepherd puppy seems too good to be true, theres likely something going on. The AKC also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.
Facts And Faqs About The German Shepherd Dogs
-> Are German shepherds good family dogs?
With proper training and socialization, German shepherds make excellent companions and family protectors. This is an excellent breed for active families. A breed like this is intelligent and protective, making it a good choice for families with children when properly trained.
-> How much exercise does a German Shepherd need?
German shepherd dogs need regular exercise, almost like any other dog. With enough activity throughout the day, they can burn energy and remain healthy. This breed of dog is known to be very affectionate, so make sure you are home when it is time to play with your pet.
-> How much money should I spend on a German Shepherd?
German shepherd prices vary greatly depending on what type of German shepherds you are looking at getting. A good price range for this breed is usually between $500 $1,000 depending on the quality of the dog in question.
-> Are German shepherds aggressive?
A German shepherd is one of the most lovable dogs out there. This can be a very fiercely loyal dog that will do anything to keep you and your family safe.
Growing German Shepherds have very powerful bites that can fracture bones and cause serious injuries. German Shepherds tend to become very territorial and possessive as they mature.
Having unwanted guests or feeling like they are invaded can lead to aggressive outbursts. There are many people who have owned and loved their pets.
-> What is the best dog food for a German Shepherd?
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Types Of German Shepherd: Dwarf Or Miniature
Much has been debated in this type of dog. They are known as the mini German Shepherd since their size is small and they are similar to a puppy throughout their life. It is not an animal that reproduces since the reason for its dwarfism is caused by thyroid disorders and other pathologies. Despite this, they are playful, obedient and very loyal animals.
Start Your Marketing Campaign Early
Unless you already have a list of interested people, youll need to get the word out about your litter before they even arrive and provide information on when the puppies will be available for sale. You can take an ad out in a publication, advertise on social media, get a website up and running, etc. There are multiple ways to advertise. The key is to start early enough to get traction.
Successful dog breeders such as Laras Canine Solutions in New Braunfels will tell you that breeding a quality litter isnt always easy. German Shepherd puppies can bring a lot of joy to someones life, but the reality is that it takes a lot of preparation, hard work, research and financial commitment on behalf of the breeder to ensure a successful litter and breeding experience.
The most important tip is to be prepared for any situation that may occur. In cases like these, the experts will tell you theres no such thing as being over prepared. If youre ready for the commitment, German Shepherd breeding can be an exciting and rewarding experience. Good luck!
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