Check His Pedigree Papers
The American Kennel Club recognizes 184 dog breeds. You can uncover your dogs type by taking a glance over personality traits and visual markers shown in the breed standard of AKC.
If you have a colossal feathery dog, flip through the Newfoundland dogs, Bernese mountain dogs, Saint Bernard dogs descriptions. If youre still not sure, you can check through the pictures, personality attributes, and physical description.
When it comes to purebred dogs, AKC will only register them as pedigrees because they are more likely to be purebred.
They give details of all five generations of your pups ancestors, revealing exactly who they were and the changes that occur in their lifespan.
Checking the pedigree papers, aka the family tree of your pup, is undoubtedly the best way to know if a dog is purebred.
How to read a pedigree?
In this video you can learn how to easily read a dogs pedigree:
Behavioral Characteristics Of The Purebred German Shepherd
If your dog is a purebred German Shepherd, it will be extremely loyal to you and your family. Initially, it remains very reserved however, when it forms a connection, there is no way you can doubt its loyalty. Apart from that, if it feels threatened, it gets very protective as well. Its sense of possession makes it apt for guarding your family. Besides, it can easily differentiate between who is family and who isnt. Another essential behavioral characteristic is the energy level of a purebred German Shepherd. These are high-energy dogs and require a lot of physical activity. If you do not make it indulge in energetic physical activities, it is likely to get bored. When a purebred German Shepherd is bored, it shows destructive behavior and starts chewing, digging, and barking. Many other behavioral characteristics help a person make a clear differentiation between German Shepherd purebred vs. mixed. These are highly intelligent and can be trained to do a variety of jobs. They help in searching, rescuing, and assist the elderly or visibly impaired people.
Purebred Vs Crossbred Vs Mongrel
- A purebred is a dog with parents and an ancestral line that contains only dogs of the same breed. This type of dog is often sought after because owners can depend on the lineage to predict its size, health, and overall disposition. In this case, youd have a purebred German Shepherd.
- A crossbreed is the result of intentional breeding. Different purebreds are selected to create a different breed, with the desire of getting the best traits of both breeds. Again, these dogs are sought after because of the predictable outcomes in size, health, and disposition. Examples include a GSD mixed with a Lab or a Husky.
- A mongrel, otherwise known as a mixed breed or mutt,is a dog that results from nature. The sire and the dam are often mixed breeds, so the lineage is almost impossible to trace with any accuracy without DNA testing. However, educated guesses can be relatively successful. In the case of a GSD with questionable genetics, a German Shepherd may be a few generations back in the bloodline.
Knowing the dogs mix is for more than satisfying the familys curiosity. This knowledge helps owners make wise decisions for the dog in healthcare, food, and training.
Also Check: Is It Easy To Train A German Shepherd
How To Identify The Purity Of The German Shepherd Puppy
- Color
- Dont have knowledge about the different types of German Shepherd breeds
Show Line Vs Working Line German Shepherds
The Show Line German Shepherds as from their name Show Line are used for dog shows. In order to look excellent, these GSDs have to be perfect in all aspects from teeth to tail. Show Line GSDs have an angulated back that slopes from high to low as you go from shoulders to rear end.
Working Line German Shepherds have straight back and athletic type of figure, purely built to work all the time tirelessly. They have bigger heads & bigger bones. The Working Line German Shepherds dont need to be perfect. The Working Line GSDs as clearly evident from their name Working Line, always ready for work.
The prices for purebred top-quality German Shepherd puppies with pedigree range from $2000 to $10,000 whereas the prices for young, fully-trained elite German Shepherds with pedigree range from $18,000 to $90,000 or more.
DONT MISS!Todays Deals on Chewy Pet Foods, Pet Products, Pet Supplies, Pet Toys and more..
In this post we will cover following 5 ways to identify the purity of the German Shepherd puppy:
- Tail & Back
- Dog DNA Test*
Before you go through this post you must know about the5 main types of German Shepherds breeds and two major groups of German Shepherds i.e Show Line German Shepherds & Working Line German Shepherds.
How To Test A Purebred German Shepherd
Dogs are considered a best friend of a human one loyal and caring partner is German Shepherds. German Shepherds are working dogs that are too friendly in nature. It is a dog-loving family that does not want a German Shepherd puppy in their home. However, the reports have also shown that Purebred German shepherds are the second most favorite American dog.
Being a famous breed of dogs, many dog sellers also con their customers by selling the wrong breed as the Purebred German Shepherds, which can be a loss to the buyer. The seller can use the mixed breed or any other breed and sell it to you at a purebred rate and make a huge profit out of it. People who are keenly interested in buying a pure breed German shepherd should look at the measures that will help them save their bucks.
Also Check: Can A Rottweiler Beat A Pitbull
Where To Find A Purebred Gsd Puppy
AKC website
A good way to start is to go to AKC Marketplace PuppyFinder on the American Kennel Club website.
AKC-registered litters have pedigrees that trace their heritage, so you know what to expect as your puppy matures into an adult dog.
Referrals
You can ask for referrals by contacting your local veterinarian, dog clubs, boarding kennels, or groomers if they know reputable breeders in town.
These professionals usually have a good relationship with reputable breeders.
Shelters and rescue groups
Getting a purebred German Shepherd puppy from a shelter or rescue is not uncommon. Some people may not have done enough research before getting their GSD and end up surrendering their puppy.
You can check our German Shepherd Rescue Listing page to find rescue centers in your state.
Many shelters charge a minimal adoption fee and even take care of their medical evaluation and necessary medications beforehand.
Inspect Their Strong Build
Generally, German Shepherds have a muscular build and even distribution of features. Purebred GSDs are longer than they are tall, with a tight chest, muscular shoulders, and a long stride. It is these characteristics that indicate why they are historically working dogs.
The height-weight ranges of a GSD are:
- 3 to 5kg, or 7 to 11lbs in their first month.
- Between 21 to 26kg, or 46 to 57lbs, from six months through the first year of life.
- And finally, they achieve 22 to 25kg, or 48 to 55lbs, in females, and 35-40kg, or 77 to 88lbs, in males when fully grown.
- They can range from 50 to 64cm tall and 22-25cm in proportion.
The AKC also recognizes German Shepherds by their great personality traits due to distinctive intelligence, enthusiastic attitude, excellent energy levels, continued alertness, loyalty, protective instincts, and remarkable obedience.
Read Also: Dogo Argentino Vs Coyote
Talk To A German Shepherd Owner
Someone who has owned a purebred German Shepherd for years has observed their physical and personality traits and can offer you valuable information about the breed.
Go for a purebred German Shepherd owner whose dog you like and looks healthy and well cared for. Fulfilled GSD owners will be glad to tell you about their furry companions and probably show you photos and videos of their growth journey.
Videos and photos of another purebred German Shepherd can give you specific details about physical features and temperament traits that you can look out for in your own dog.
Satellite Ears & Head Tilt
German Shepherd owners will agree that although they love their dog unconditionally, theyre especially fond of the normally ultra-erect ears and signature head tilt.
One common question owners have about their German Shepherds ears is how can you tell if they are going to stand up or not? These owners should know genetics and DNA play a large role in whether the ears will stand up.
If your German Shepherds ears arent standing up, you should consider health and grooming routines before you attempt to address floppy ears. Cleaning the ears, for example, is an important part of a German Shepherds overall grooming and health routine.
In regards to head tilting: some people believe that head tilting is a sign of intelligence, while others believe that dogs tilt their heads to the side to see us properlyas their muzzle/nose can block their vision from head on.
Regardless, it never gets old to most owners!
Also Check: How Many Pounds Is A German Shepherd
Do Purebred German Shepherds Have Black Spots On Tongue
If you have a German Shepherd with a black spot or multiple black spots on their tongue, there is no immediate cause for concern. People may falsely tell you that your dog is part, Chow. While spotted tongues are a trait of the Chow, it is not unique to that particular breed. Chows usually have a blueish black tongue.
How Much Does Owning A German Shepherd Puppy Cost
Its not just the initial cost of purchasing the puppy. You have to think about the actual cost of owning a puppy, and how much you can expect to pay per year to maintain one.
Most German Shepherds are rather expensive to care for as they are large dogs that need a lot of food, attention and exercise.
However, for the most part, the average cost of owning a German Shepherd is about $1500 per year.
Recommended Reading: Are German Shepherds Smart
Examine Other German Shepherd Physical Features
You can combine assessing the coat type and color of the German Shepherd with examining other physical features of the breed to make a more informed conclusion about your GSDs bloodline.
Some of the distinctive physical features of the German Shepherd you should look for include the following characteristics.
History Of The German Shepherd
The German Shepherd was first discovered by Von Stephanitz who spotted them at a dog show and decided that this breed was the perfect standard for a working dog. He adopted one of these dogs and named them Horand and then created the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde, the Society for the German Shepherd Dog.
Horand was the first breed standard for the German Shepherd breed and was bred alongside dogs with a similar appearance to give German Shepherd litters. They are thought to have first appeared in the United States in 1906 and were recognized by the AKC in 1908.
You May Like: German Shepherd Homeowners Insurance
Coat Type And Fur Patterns
According to the AKC, the official standard of the GSD is a medium-length double coat with tough straight hair lying close to the body. The outer coat should be dense, even though a somewhat wavy outer coat is permissible.
The hairs at the neck are longer and thicker, while those on the head, foreface, and inside the ears are short. The paws and legs also have short hair, but you may notice slightly longer hair at the rear of the legs, on the hock, and along the pastern.
Watch This Video How to Check a Purebred GSD
As a difference, the Kennel Club and the FCI standards include a long coat to their German Shepherd breed standards. Ive written a complete article all about the long-haired German Shepherd if this variety interests you.
Different Types Of German Shepherds
August 28, 2020Lifestyle141028
If you were looking to adopt an intelligent and cute puppy that you could play with, go on walks together, and who would also protect you & your home by being the most vigilant guard, then you must look no further than the German Shepherd.
German Shepherd is perhaps the most widely recognized and loved dog breeds in the world. They are one of the best guard dogs that are so good at it that almost all of the police dogs in the USA are German Shepherds.
German Shepherd Dog Price: German Shepherd cost around Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 in India. On average, the cost of a German Shepherd ranges from $500-$1,500 in the USA.
Don’t Miss: German Shepherd Beagle Mix Size
Predicting Based On Physical Characteristics
Purebred dogs were cultivated with selective breeding, which means dogs with specific traits and genes are bred however, dogs with different traits were not bred.
Purebred dogs are distinguished from other dog breeds with their predicting physical traits such as size, color, coat, and weight. Some of the characteristics are penned down.
#6.1 Temperament
Purebred dogs have been bred for generations with specific traits and temperaments. Their temperament depends upon genetics.
If youre looking for a high-energy, friendly, and high-spirit dog, purebreds can be the perfect option. The purebred dogs temperament is more likely to be predicted when compared with a mixed breed.
#6.2 Working Behavior
Are you seeking a guard dog? A hunting dog? Dog to herd sheep? Pull a sled? Or a dog to dig for truffles?
Purebred dogs are the one!
They have an absolute working behavior and are a great choice for specific functions.
#6.3 Coat
Every purebred dog comes with a hidden coat color. However, the coat color may also vary as per their genetic characteristics.
#6.4 Colour, Size, and Weight
Each physical trait depends upon the dogs parents and ancestors. Read more about dogs physical traits in this guide.
What If My Dog Is A Mutt
If you learn your supposed purebred does not fit the bill, so what? You love them, right? Your pup will remain devoted to you for life. Thats way more important than simply being able to say your dog is a purebred. In the long run, it will not matter if your furry soulmate does not come from a pristine bloodline.
If youre smitten with the idea of having a purebred dog and are in the market, chances are there is a breed-specific rescue group or shelter in your area with just the right pup in need of a family. According to statistics, about 25% of dogs who enter shelters are purebreds. It is likely, with research, you will find exactly the dog you are looking for within a rescue group. Plus, by rescuing, youll have the added benefit of knowing you have actually saved the life of a puppy.
Dog Fun
02/16/2016
Me and My Shadow
Me and my Shadow was the name of a popular song in 1927, and its popularity didnt end then. It
Pet Health
11/13/2017
Dogs that are Special
I was reading an article the other day about a dog who was born with no front legs. He hopped
Dog Fun
09/23/2015
Booty Scootin Boogie
So youre sitting there with your friends admiring the near perfect qualities of your precious little shiz tzu when, to
Also Check: Best Way To Train German Shepherd Puppy
What Are My Dogs Registration Papers Then
What are papers? Papers are simply a dog registration. A registration certificate will tell you the name of your pups mom and dad and the date when she was born. Your certificate may come from the AKC , or the UKC .
Unfortunately, the registration is not a guarantee of a pure breed. As long as the pups Mom and Dad are registered, their puppies are eligible for a registration certificate, too.
Papers may also refer to pedigree. Pedigree is a history of your dogs grandparents, great grandparents, and so on. Its just a list of names, and, regrettably, that doesnt guarantee anything either. The truth is, in order for a dog to get registration papers or a pedigree, he does not have to meet any qualifications of appearance, health, temperament, or any of those things you may look for in a purebred. AKC or UKC registered puppies purchased from a backyard breeder or a pet store wont be the same quality as a dog purchased from a reliable breeder.
Other Unique Shepherd Colors
Although rare, pure white, solid blue, fawn color, pure red and spotted black and white are also found. However, neither of these colors are accepted when it comes to competitions as these colors will only be found due to severe genetic mutations, or they simply dont match the breed standards for the show. A breeds color doesnt necessarily come with health issues, and neither of these do.
To know if your German Shepherd is genuinely black, you need to make sure there are no patches or stripes of another color. Black Shepherds have unique features that are associated with the color, including a straighter back. Youll notice that the average German Shepherd has a slanted back with short legs.
Although black Shepherds still have short legs, they stand taller, making them appear bigger and stronger. There are black varients with spots, creme, silver or tanned patches or combined with a red coat, but these variants look like the average Shepherd and are hard to mix up with the black version.
Recommended Reading: German Shepherds With Floppy Ears
About German Shepherd Dog Breed:
The German Shepherd is a breed of working dog originally from Germany. Originally named Alsatian Wolf Dog in the UK, its name changes to German Shepherd in 1977.
The German shepherd is a working dog developed for herding sheep. But in modern days it is used for many types of work, including disability assistance, search-and-rescue, police and military roles, and acting.
The German Shepherd is the second-most registered breed by the American Kennel Club and the seventh-most registered breed by The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom.