Experience Level For Owning A Black German Shepherd
We only recommend these dogs for experienced dog owners. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. A Shih Tzu isnt going to do much to prepare you for a German Shepherd.
These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation.
German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They are quite easy to train, so you dont have to be an expert by any means.
If youre interested in owning a German Shepherd, we highly recommend taking your time to consider just how much work these dogs require. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. These arent dogs for the casual dog owner.
Signs Youve Found A Good Breeder
Megan Riddle, a breeder who is also a member of the PNW GSD Pack group, wrote up a great list of questions to ask any breeder youre considering getting a puppy from. Read through this list and be willing to walk away from a breeder, even if they have puppies available, if they dont meet the criteria
German Shepherd Breed Types: Which Is Right For You
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All 5 of the German Shepherd breed types are sought after across the globe depending on the needs of future owners.
It’s essential to research each breed type thoroughly before making your final choice.
It wasnt by chance that the German Shepherd has become one of the most sought after breeds in the world.
But tracing its roots back to 1899 how is it possible that such a young breed dating back just over 100 years has become the second most popular breed worldwide?
The answer to this lies in the versatility of the breed. Highly intelligent, devoted, dependable, and a work ethic second to none.
These are just some of the traits that have catapulted this breed to virtual stardom.
Their loyalty, guardian instinct, sound nerves, and easy-going nature make German Shepherds great companions.
Over the years distinct types of German Shepherds have developed.
Each with their own unique traits, each suitable for its specific purpose and each one a German Shepherd in its own right.
Meet the 5 German Shepherd Breed Types
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West German Show Lines
This line of German Shepherd has a reputation for being handsome! They have the kind of look that requires a second take!
Although also bred for their beauty, this German Shepherd type is not just a pretty face.
SV rules govern this breed. This requires a working title and health clearance for hips and elbows before passing on their genes.
They make outstanding protectors and family pets. And they are by no means lazy, they need plenty of exercise, training, and socialization.
Learn from an expert breeder about German Shepherd show lines, bloodlines, and breeding.
Best German Shepherd Breeders In Germany
There are many different aspects that you must take into consideration before you choose which breed of German Shepherd to buy. These are a few things you want to look for when it comes to finding the best German Shepherd breeders in Germany.
The first thing you want to consider is how established the dog breeders are in Germany. This is an important step since it will help you find a well-known and reputable breeder. This can be done by asking for recommendations or by checking their list of certificates.
You will also want to find out how reputable German Shepherd breeders are. This will make a big difference in your decision since some owners dont want to take the chance on their dog breeding dogs because they feel they might not succeed. So if theyve only sold a handful of dogs in the past, then chances are good that they arent experienced enough to provide quality German Shepherd puppies to their customers.
Another way to make sure you find the best German Shepherd breeders in Germany is to check out their background. If they have been involved with puppy mills, animal abuse, or have a history of mistreatment then you dont want to deal with these people or deal with them as a pet.
Read Also: Is My German Shepherd Too Skinny
Ruskin House Of Shepherds Fl
These are specialists in different German Shepherd variants and even import breeds straight from Germany. Ruskin House of Shepherds is a breeder that is passionate about health, nurturing, and trainability, which is why they offer clients extra dog training services for a fee.
They deal with the all-popular and rare colored German Shepherds including black, red, sable, solid black, solid white, silver, panda, blue, black and tan, etc.
The breeder is committed to giving each of their clients a healthy, playful, and athletic puppy with the most distinctive personality. They cannot wait to make one of their dogs the newest addition to your happy family.
Finding An Ethical Breeder Offline
Offline searches, although less common, still need to be evaluated for pros and cons to find the correct breeder. Events and word of mouth can be a way you hear about a breeder you wish to research or purchase from.
Dog shows and events
Dog shows and events are a great way to network, and consequently, to find a reputable dog breeder! With so many breeders in one area, you can have a thorough discussion with them about their motives, goals, and treatments. Even more so by examining the dogs they have brought alongside them for anxiety or health issues.
Although this method has mainly positives, there are negatives. Some backyard breeders may be able to present themselves positively despite negative motives or poor care overall. Poor breeders may bring dogs along with them that are not theirs, in an attempt to showcase themselves positively.
Furthermore, what a breeder is telling you at a show may not be true and without proof, you cannot guarantee it to be true. Pay attention to how the breeder acts with the dogs and speaks about them if it is informal be aware and be cautious.
Word of mouth
The reputation of a breeder is sacred and browse online forums, search on Google, and conduct your due diligence in order to ensure dealings only with the best dog breeders out there.
Recommended Reading: Potty Training German Shepherd Puppy
White Star Kennel Illinois
Located about 2 hours away from Chicago, Illinois, White Star Kennel offers high-quality purebred German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever puppies at affordable prices to loving homes. They aim to breed healthy puppies that will go on to become great companions to their future owners.
White Star Kennel offers a three-day health guarantee on their puppies. The German Shepherd puppies for sale in Illinois are regularly checked by a licensed veterinarian and are dewormed before going to their new families. This breeder loves its dogs, treats them like family, and socializes with them from a young age.
American Kennel Club Breeders
Not every AKC registered breeder will use the AKC marketplace to sell their puppies. If you want to be proactive and increase your chances of getting a puppy, you can go on the German Shepherd breeder directory and contact breeders in your area. You will be able to find out if they have available puppies or at least if you can put your name on the waiting list for the next litter.
Here is the link to the breeder directory of The German Shepherd Club of America. On the website, you can also find the contact info of the local club to find breeders in your area.
Also Check: Pitbull Fight German Shepherd
Know What Your Situation Is And Know Youre Looking For
Before you start looking for breeders, be clear about your current situation.
Run through your finances, time availability and how your current living situation is compatible for a German Shepherd.
You can get an idea of the number and types of costs of owning a German Shepherd here .
Make sure you have plenty of time for training, obedience, socialisation, exercise and of course bonding with your dog.
Are you allowed to have dogs where you are, and do you have enough space and the sort of living arrangement that will allow a puppy or grown German Shepherd to be stimulated and safe .
Once youre sure of those things, think about what sort of GSD you are looking for.
People are most commonly looking for:
A happy and healthy German Shepherd family pet, OR
A German Shepherd with high pedigree, defined breed characteristics, and usually working or show titles
If you are just looking for a family dog or a regular pet companion, you may just be concerned with how the breeder treats the puppies, the health of the puppies and its temperament.
For those looking for a German Shepherd of high pedigree youre search criteria is going to be a lot more thorough.
How To Spot A Reputable Breeder
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Canadian Kennel Club Breeders
If you live in Canada or are willing to travel there to get your puppy, the Canadian Kennel Club is a good resource. Although they do not have a marketplace like the American Kennel Club, you will find a breeder directory with contact information.
Here is the link to the German Shepherd breeder directory of the Canadian Kennel Club. You will also find the name of the national club and a link to its website . Its worth examining if they advertise puppies for sale or have another breeder directory.
Central Coast German Shepherds
This dog breeder is located in Paso Robles, Central Coast. They are small-scale breeders, meaning they dont have many litters, and everyone whod like to adopt from them has to be prepared for a very selective screening process. In fact, they are among the more selective German Shepherd breeders in California.
They have a business and cooperative relationship with some of the finest GSD breeders from Europe, creating joint champion working lines for all of their customers.
They breed dogs from the West German bloodline and choose only the finest of sires and dames. They pay so much attention to each and every one of their dogs that they breed no more than two litters per year.
Central Coast GSD aims to provide dogs and puppies of high quality that are highly adaptable and great for family settings. In fact, they sell some of the finest German Shepherds in the world, at least according to IPO or Schutzhund titles.
Many ancestors of their breeding dogs reached V and VA ratings before being socialized and trained to adjust family settings.
This breeder conducts all the necessary genetic screenings of their pups. Not just that, but they provide their puppies with Early Scent Introduction and Early Neurological Stimulation when they are as young as three days old. This helps their nose awareness and overall confidence.
Some of their dogs are used for diabetic alert or seizures once they grow old. These pups undergo early scent training, giving them a head start.
Also Check: German Shepherd Feeding Guide
Amazing Facts About German Shepherds
Lynn is a writer and long-time Learning & Development Manager at a large PNW retailer. She’s also mom to 3 dogs & 2 cats!
- Lynn Guthrie
- Can Dogs Eat Blueberries? Yep, Heres Why!
Theres no wonder the noble German Shepherd is the AKCs second most popular dog. This breeds intelligence, bravery, and loyalty have made them excel as police and military dogs, service dogs, and protective family pets. Its clear we love them and for so many reasons.
Here are some amazing facts about the German Shepherd breed you may not know.
1. German Shepherds are natural herders
Originally, German Shepherds were tasked with watching over flocks of sheep and herding them from field to field. That job required lightning-fast reflexes and an ability to run at top speed when needed. This breed proved perfect for the job.
German Shepherds can reach speeds of up to 32 miles per hour at full sprint. However, when herding, they trot rather than run, clocking in at around 20 miles per hour. They became the go-to-dog for herding sheep but there was so much more this breed would come to excel at.
At some point, a German Cavalry officer noticed this impressive work dog and its wolflike appearance. He purchased a dog for himself and the official history of this breed began.
2. The father of the German Shepherd breed
In 1895, Max Von Shlephanitz purchased the first Shepherd Dog at a dog show, naming him Horand Von Grafath. Horand was the genetic basis for the German Shepherd breed.
What’s In Your Purchase Contract
If there’s no purchase contract then move on to another breeder. Most reputable breeders will have a spay or neuter clause. They will also have a guarantee clause.
A guarantee clause means the breeder will replace a puppy that has disqualifying faults according to the breed standard.
So yes, it means you’ll have to give your pup back to get a replacement. This is why it’s so important to take your time when picking a pup.
I mean, who wants to part with a pup they have already bonded with?
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How To Choose A German Shepherd Puppy
This article was co-authored by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.There are 17 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 13 testimonials and 84% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 526,463 times.
A dog can be your best friend, but you need to make sure that your personalities match. German Shepherds are strong, obedient dogs known for their intelligence, loyalty, and fearlessness, making them a perfect breed for active families with enough time to train them.
Should You Get A Male Or Female German Shepherd
While Male and female German Shepherds are similar in many traits, they are also different in a number of them, which might affect your choice when buying.
Consider what you want the dog for and your experience when determining whether to purchase a male or female German Shepherd. If youve never had a dog before, a female is preferable because shes easier to train. If you want a guard dog, go for a male because they are more dominant and aggressive.
Consider the following when making your choice:
- Male GSDs are larger in both weight and height while females are smaller . Please note, these are approximations as individual dogs will vary. To give you an example of this, my female KC registered GSD weighs 88lb , and she is very tall, standing 27/68cm.
- Males will portray a masculine build as opposed to the delicate features of the female.
- Females will be in heat twice annually. If you do not intend to breed your pet, you should consider spaying her.
- Female GSDs live longer when compared to males 9.7 years.
These traits may not be vividly pronounced in young puppies, but it is important to bear them in mind. Whether you choose to buy a male or female pup will depend on your circumstances, such as experience, lifestyle, and purpose for the dog.
You can check out this article, Male vs. Female German Shepherd: Which Should You Get? It has loads of info to help you decide which one will be best for you.
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