Training Goal #2: Crate Training
This is also a good time for crate training, which Adams recommends as well. GSD trainer and dog sports enthusiast Alexa Hagood, LVMT, agrees: Crate breaks, even when brief, can help the puppy become acclimated to going in the crate and having some alone time. She notes that this can help reduce the risk of a puppy developing separation anxiety, and recommends beginning with using the crate for feeding times , and at times when the owner needs to do daily chores.
What Questions Should You Ask A Breeder
This will not be too tricky if you have already found a reputable/responsible breeder as he/she may already give you some of the answers while meeting to you.
ACK has a list of 9 questions for you to ask a breeder before making your final decision. The idea is to make sure the breeder is responsible, reliable, cares for their dogs and will be a valued resource for you throughout your dogs life.
I will just list them out and not go into details because these questions are pretty straight foward:
- Ask to meet the parents?
- Have health tests been performed on the parents?
- How long have you been breeding? What is your experience with this breed?
- How do you socialize your puppies?
- Are the puppies up-to-date on vaccinations?
- Do you provide a health guarantee and a contract?
- When will you be able to take the puppy home?
- How can we contact you after picking up the puppy?
- What requirements do you have of people looking to get one of your puppies?
Read more: 9 Questions to Ask Your Potential Breeder
Is My Dog A Pure Bred German Shepherd
Recently I got a GSDd puppy. Does she look purebred to you guys ? I know you can’t really know without papers, but the only papers the breeder got are medical papers that say both parents’ breed is German Shepherd. Do you think it can be trusted?
Best Answer
The way to find out is if you know the puppy’s sire and dam, or the previous owner tells or gives you the names. They should be listed in on the pedigree. After you have the names look up AKC German Shepard pedigree service. My parents did that work along with breeding, training, and showing shepards and Flat Coated Retrievers. You might find their dogs listed if you go back to the 70’s.
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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?
Your Puppy Will Come With A Health Guarantee
Reputable breeders are so concerned about their dogs health that they usually offer health guarantees.;
In general, if the puppy develops a disease covered by the agreement, you will either receive a refund on the price of the puppy, receive a replacement puppy, or the breeder might contribute a certain amount of money toward the treatment of the puppys health issue.
The terms of each breeders health guarantee vary, so ask for specifics when inquiring about a puppy.;
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Where Can I Get Adopted A German Shepherd Puppy
You may visit the local rescue centers and shelters and see plenty of German shepherds and dogs information. Besides that, over 25% of the purebred shelters are ready for use.
You are therefore more likely to adopt a pure German Shepherd. In addition, by saving their lives, you benefit them. Were you aware that many dogs are slaughtered and murdered throughout the globe every year because of overpopulation in shelters, and too few people contemplate their adoption? Remember that you give these pets a second opportunity when you adopt them.
How Big Can German Shepherd Dogs Get
Just how big can a GSD get?
That can depend on whether it is a purebred or mixed breed GSD.
While purebred GSDs will never grow to a truly giant size, a German Shepherd mixed with a giant breed can potentially inherit the giant parents size.
Some GSD breeders specialize in big purebred German Shepherds.
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Show Quality V Pet Quality V Rescue
When you begin your search, you need to determine what type of German Shepherd that you want. While these dogs possess different physical qualities, none are superior and all can make great pets. There are 3 options:
A Show Quality Purebred German Shepherd is bred to match the American Kennel Clubs breed standard. If you are interested in showing, this is the type of dog that you would want to purchase.
Due to the careful breeding and extra efforts that show quality breeders must adhere to, these dogs are the most expensive. For a description of the AKCs breed standard for German Shepherds, .
A Pet Quality Purebred German Shepherd will not adhere perfectly to the breed standard. This does not make them any less purebred, this just means they would not qualify to be shown because their anatomy is not what the breed standard requires.
Pet quality breeders should breed their dogs with the same care as show quality breeders but may do so for the love of the breed rather than specifically to show. Pet quality dogs are generally a little less expensive than show quality dogs.
For further discussion about show quality dogs v. pet quality dogs, click here to watch a video on the topic.
A Rescue German Shepherd may be purebred or mixed with other breeds. Dogs of both types, show quality, and pet quality, are available for adoption. All rescue dogs have one thing in common; they do not have a home and they need one.
How To Spot A Reputable Breeder
Also Check: What Is A German Shepherd A Mix Of
Official German Shepherd Clubs
This is a great way to locate reputable GSD breeders. ;If you don’t know a vet to point you in the right direction, this is your best bet. ;
I prefer breed-specific clubs to national kennel clubs.
Here’s a handy map on the WUSV website where you can locate official German Shepherd clubs across the globe.
Pink Pedigree Or White Pedigree Papers
Some breeders like to advertise their puppies as having pink pedigree papers.; And charge a higher price tag for these pups.
A pink pedigree means that the dam and sire have both been breed surveyed. ;
They have passed strict tests that involve temperament and protection work.
The thing here is,;a pup;with pink papers is not necessarily of a higher quality than a pup with white papers.
Here’s why
Parents with a show grading of G can be breed surveyed and therefore have pups with a pink pedigree. ;
Even although the parents meet only the minimum breed standard.
On the flip side, you could find parents who grade V or SG . ; But because they have not been breed surveyed, their pup has white papers.
So if you come across a breeder advertising pink papers, ask to see the show grading and breed survey results of the parents before forking out the extra cash.
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Why The Interest In Big German Shepherds
Teacup sized toy dogs may be very trendy, but fans of bigger German Shepherds will be happy to tell you that bigger is better!
While not as big as giant dog breeds like the Great Dane, the German Shepherd Dog is a large dog that is well known for its intelligent, loyal, and protective nature.
The history of dog breeding is full of examples of medium to large sized dogs being scaled down to create distinct, small and toy sized breeds.
The Poodle is a classic instance of this downsizing.
But there are many dog fanciers who are interested in bigger than usual versions of their favorite breeds, such as the German Shepherd.
In this article, well talk about big German Shepherds, including why and how dogs like the GSD might be bred up in size.
Well also look at the health implications of breeding an especially large German Shepherd.
First up, an overview of the German Shepherd breed, including the size range of regular German Shepherds.
How To Identify A Reputable/responsible Breeder
Reputable breeders usually specialize in one if not more than two breeds only. They are very knowledgeable in their breed and may also provide seminars and writes articles.
They are often actively involved with local, state, and national clubs that specialize in a specific breed. This can be in form of obedience trials, tracking and agility trials, and other performance-based events.
Responsible breeders will never sell to unknown buyers over the internet or pet stores and will only sell to people they have met in person.
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Places To Find German Shepherd Puppies For Sale
The following German Shepherd breeders are the best in the market which were handpicked through a set of criteria and considerations.
I can affirm that the breeders on this list are accredited and recognized by kennel organizations in the United States to ensure that puppies are bred according to the prescribed standards.
In this list, the professional background of the breeders and trainers, their facilities, and the credibility of the breeders are taken into consideration in recommending German Shepherd breeders to ensure that you will only meet puppies that are healthy and stable.
One Dog Different Jobs
Black Shepherds have traits that would make them fit;to do work for the police, military, and search & rescue teams. Today, they are ranked the second most popular dog in the US.
In fact, you would often see German Shepherds being used by the army and the police as their K9 unit. These dogs are fearless, intelligent, and obedient, which makes them great candidates for these positions.;
Even if this canine fits in the guns and the criminal world, they can also be trained to become a service dog.
The Black German Shepherd has a stable temperament, which means they can stand intense situations without panicking. It allows them to become a guardian, a blind leader, and a companion who assists people who have disabilities.
With their wolf-like appearance and protective nature, this is a breed you can rely on to be amazing guard dogs. Their courage and alertness allow them to look after their loved ones while being an excellent family companion.
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What To Know Before Buying A German Shepherd
Your German Shepherd will without a doubt become part of the family within a few days, and should live for more than 10 years, so be aware that this is a very long commitment, and not to be taken lightly.
Whilst you may have to save up to buy your German Shepherd, you will need a lot more funds to look after and properly care for your puppy.;;
The main costs will be when you first get a German Shepherd, as you will have to pay for the puppy itself, along with a crate, leash, dog bed, collar, good quality puppy food, grooming tools and other accessories such as puppy training pads and treats.
That is without considering the cost of getting your puppy checked over by a veterinarian, or giving them their initial shots before they are allowed to socialize with other dogs.
However, reputable breeders may have already arranged for their vaccinations to be completed before the puppy is sent to its new home.;
You also need to think about vet checkups, flea treatments and worming medication on a regular basis.
German Shepherds are also very intelligent dogs that need lots of attention and so they will require proper training, schedules, toys and balls to keep them occupied and mentally stimulated!;
Are German Shepherds Good With Children
When German Shepherds are socialized around children from a young age, it is easy for them to develop a strong bond. Commonly GSDs are happy to play with young children, become their best friend and keep a watchful, protective eye over them. German Shepherds have a natural instinct to protect their pack and loved ones, and they are especially protective of young children.
In England, they are commonly referred to as the babysitter dogs, because parents feel safe having the dog watch over their children for a brief moment while they go the other room for something. German Shepherds are also protective of children when playing outdoors. You can rest assured that if a stranger approaches your child, your GSD will have something to say about it. The bond that develops between a German Shepherd dog and a child is inspiring and beautiful.
If you are thinking of adopting an older German Shepherd they too are capable of adapting and being good with children. Of course, this would depend on the individual dog and what type of life he or she has survived this far.
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How To Spot A Disreputable Breeder
Big German Shepherd Health
Like most purebred dogs, the GSD can suffer from some inherited health conditions common to the breed.
And even if your dog is a mix, it could still inherit health issues from one or both parent breeds.
German Shepherds of any size can suffer from the joint diseases hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia.
Their body type also makes them prone to bloat, a potentially life-threatening stomach condition.
German Shepherds can also be prone to other genetic health problems, including anal ulceration, a degenerative disease of the pancreas known as pancreatic acinar atrophy, and epilepsy.
Its also good to keep in mind that very large dogs can suffer from osteoarthritis at higher rates than smaller dogs because of the extra weight that they carry.
How do you ensure that your giant German Shepherd is as healthy as possible?
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Determine The Coat Length And Color You Like
Afteryouve decided on the quality and sex of your future companion, consider thecoat length and color you want.
Certainbreeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. So,its good to know your preferences before looking for a quality breeder orrescue.
Coat Length
The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking.
Major Coat Lengths
- Medium/standard length
- Plush
- Long hair German Shepherd with an undercoat
- Long-haired German Shepherd without an undercoat
All German Shepherds shed. While there are plenty of things you can do to help lessen a GSDs shedding, expect to spend time on brushing, grooming and bathing them, along with cleaning their fur from your home.
Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved.
Also, consider adopting a German Shepherd mix breed if youre looking for GSD-cross mix.
Color
The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age.
Yourdog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markingsas the color fades into the adult pattern.