Health Concerns When Breeding German Shepherds
Breeding German Shepherds means you must ensure your breeding dogs are cleared of any known health condition to date. Every dog breed has its own bunch of diseases particularly found in its specimens, and GSDs are no exception.
Below is a list of the most common health conditions in German Shepherds so you can DNA test your dogs for as many conditions as possible before breeding two GSDs.
Mating Combinations Of The German Shepherd Dog
The most lasting and notable mating combination of the German shepherd dog by von Stephanitz was an offspring of Horand, named Hektor von Schwaben. Hektor was inbred with another one of Horands offspring, and this produced Beowulf. Beowulf produced 84 pups, mostly matings from Hektors other offspring. Beowulf and his related bloodline are the ancestors of all German Shepherds today, mostly owing to the efforts and attentive care of Max von Stephanitz. This was a huge factor in German Shepherd history and todays further development of the breed.
Arthritis Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition that is very common in GSDs. In this condition, the ball and socket joint of the hip are malformed. There can be slippage in the joint, and a grinding of the bones against each other leading to arthritis and degenerative joint disease.
The 2016 breed statistics from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals showed a rate of hip dysplasia in the German Shepherd Dog to be 20.5%. In other words, of the 118,891 dogs assessed for hip problems more than a fifth of GSDs had abnormal hips. The OFA ranks the German Shepherd dog has the 39th breed displaying this problematic health condition.
In 2014, a study of the genetics of hip dysplasia in the German Shepherd Dog was conducted at the Institute for Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany. These researchers were successful in identifying a genome that predisposed the dog to hip dysplasia. Dogs may show the condition may, indeed, be carriers of the trait. There is a genetic test available from the Hannover researchers for detecting the responsible trait.
In addition, the elbow joint can be malformed the connecting bones do not fit together causing trauma to the structure of the elbow. The OFA statistic for elbow problems was almost 20% of the 43,399 dogs had abnormal elbows. The German Shepherd Dog ranked in at the 15th spot for this problem.
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What Were German Shepherds Bred For
German Shepherds a large-sized breed that originated in Germany in 1899 was part of the Herding Group. Known for their courage, loyalty and guarding instincts, their history of herding has meant they are great guard dogs, police dogs, military dogs, search and rescue dogs, and guide dogs for the blind.
“As the name suggest, German Shepherd dogs were originally bred to help shepherds herd animals, but have since become a versatile working dogs, often in the military, police and other emergency services, as well as guide and assistance dogs,” Bill tells us.
History Care Tips And Helpful Information For Pet Owners
German shepherd dogs are noble, diligent, loyal, and highly intelligent dogs. They are large in size and have very streamlined, athletic builds that make them both strong and agile. Though they are excellent herding dogs, German shepherds are very well suited to work as service animals, such as guide dogs for the blind. They are excellent performing as working dogs, especially in police and military operations. They also make highly effective guard dogs. Of course, the German shepherd dog also makes a wonderful companion in the right home.
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German Shepherd + Pug Dog = Shug
The Shug is not a pure breed it is a designer breed made up of two distinctive pure species. Its a cross between the German Shepherd Dog and the Pug.
They are marvelous mutts, showing a warm and agreeable state of mind while being very dynamic and lively. They cordial with different pets, particularly with mutts, and can run well with youngsters. The Shug is canny and simple to prepare. They are incredible allies and family canines.
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 15 years.
- Weight: 13 pounds 17 pounds
- Height: Medium
For Female German Shepherds
Female German Shepherds are a bit more complicated than Males as it is with a majority of dogs.
Your female GSD may start experiencing what is referred to as her Heat Cycle at as early as six months old. Although, this in no way implies that she is ready to be bred .
For the safest results, one should begin to breed their female GSD at about two years of age and stop once she reaches eight years of age.
Breeding as early as a dogs first or even second heat cycle may cause confusion for the mother, and cause serious mental drawbacks as she could neglect her pups.
However, breeding her for too long or without ceasing for even one season can cause serious damage to your GSD and her pups.
When she begins to age, the quality of your female German Shepherds eggs will begin to deteriorate, making it harder for her to carry out her pregnancies to full term or even causing stillborn puppies.
Failure to follow these rules could bring serious harm to her and her pups if one is not careful.
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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.
Shepsky German Shepherd Husky Mix
Affectionately known as the Gerberian Shepsky, the German Shepherd Husky mix usually weighs over 40lb once fully grown and comes with a thick double coat.
A few even have striking blue eyes, but this trait isnt guaranteed! This mix will be intelligent, loyal, and may be quite vocal.
If you enjoy grooming and want a largish dog with a wolf like appearance, this might be the pet for you.
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American Show Line German Shepherds
American German Shepherds are the most seen Shepherds in the U.S. and Canada. These lines 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, though with specific breeding, they can be a variety of colors. 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 dogs 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.
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How Much Is A Black German Shepherd Puppy
The German Shepherd has a litter size of 4 to 9 puppies. You can get a standard puppy for a price of $300 to $1,000, but the black ones will cost double.
Since not all German Shepherds have the recessive gene for a black coat, producing a Black Shepherds rarely happens. Black German Shepherd puppies cost around $800 to $2,000.
When getting a Black Shepherd puppy, make sure youre bringing home the right one. These puppies come out black, white, or grey and will still change color until they turn eight weeks old. Ask for birth papers and only take one home after they become black and turn ten weeks old.
But the surest way of taking the right dog home is getting them from a Black German Shepherd litter. They might cost more, but at least you wont be surprised to find a sable puppy on your bed.
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King Shepherd Versus German Shepherd
The King Shepherd is a herding breed that falls into the classification of a large German Shepherd.
They are mainly the result of crossbreeding a Shiloh Shepherd and a German Shepherd Dog.
The Shiloh Shepherd is a crossbreed of the German Shepherd, Alaskan Malamute, and Canadian White Shepherd.
Being a mixed breed, King Shepherds are not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
The King Shepherd is an extra-large Shepherd hybrid and a lot of dog.
Below are 12 things you should keep in mind and consider before getting a King Shepherd.
West German Working Lines
This German Shepherd type is the closest representation of the dogs produced by Max von Stephanitz.
Their main focus is on strong working drives, stable temperament, and excellent working ability.
They will excel at a variety of different sports and also real working jobs like search and rescue, guarding, or protecting.
Although this type has a strong work drive, it knows how to settle down when needed and will make a fantastic pet for an active family.
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Finding A King Shepherd
The King Shepherd is considered a rare breed therefore, they are harder to find. If you are hoping to adopt or rescue a King Shepherd, you might be waiting a while.
If you are serious about getting a King Shepherd, you need to do some online research to locate a breeder.
Reputable breeders will have websites, online pictures, contracts, health guarantees, and happy customers.
The King Shepherd dates back to the 1990s so a seasoned breeder, versus a new one, will have had many litters and will be able to predict the health and temperament of your King Shepherd puppy.
Learn how to distinguish a good breeder from a bad one by clicking here.
What Should You Feed A King Shepherd
The King Shepherd needs quality food designed for large breeds to meet their nutritional and energy needs.
The number one ingredient for large breed dogs is protein to maintain healthy bones and muscles.
Commercial dry food is popular among dog owners, but other choices exist, such as raw, fresh, organic, etc.
Your dogs diet plan and food are a personal choice and may take some trial and error before finding the best fit for your dog.
Learn more about diet, nutrition, and recommended dog food brands by clicking here.
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Are German Shepherd Mixes Aggressive
Before we fully highlight information about each mixed breed, we must address a common concern many new and experienced dog owners have about this mix. But to know further, we have to consider the qualities of the German Shepherd.
For the most part, German Shepherds are well-rounded, family-orientated dogs.
However, because they were bred to be working dogs, sometimes they can be naturally protective of their owners and aggressive around strangers if not socialized.
Given such tendencies, sometimes the German Shepherd mix can inherit this and be slightly aggressive to other animals and humans. Obviously, not as aggressive as dogs like a Pitbull or Rottweiler, but it may display some aggressive instincts, which can be managed through proper socialization from an early age.
The German Shepherd is a beautiful breed, and the crosses it produces are even more stunning. To know what we mean by this, check out our top 25 German Shepherd mixes:
Where Can I Get A Black German Shepherd
To help you locate your puppy, we made a list of Black German Shepherd breeders you could check out.
Whether youre getting a Black Shepherd from a breeder or a rescue center, you must always ask about the health of your puppy and the parents. A responsible breeder will be able to provide you the details and will ask questions about you to ensure the puppy will fit in your life.
Also, when getting an older dog, ask whether it had training or not to prepare yourself or have a professional to train them.
If you plan to take over their training, it will help build your relationship since you will spend more time with your new canine.
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German Shepherd Dachshund Mix
This German Shepherd and Daschund mix is more suitable for apartment owners.
On average, this Shepherd mix can grow up to 15-22inches/38-56cm and weigh between 25-45lbs/11-21lbs. Many people mention that tkhe Dachshund Shepherd looks like a mini German Shepherd, just with a longer body.
Like its Dachshund parent, it can be prone to health issues due to its short physique. Also, this mix tends to be quite rare.
Because of this, its difficult to detect what health problems and personality traits it will inherit exactly. Its predicted that this dog will most likely be a lap dog but have some energetic nature of the German Shepherd.
What Is Their Conservation Status
In 2008, the old German Shepherd dog was listed as extremely vulnerable to extinction by GEH. The modern German Shepherd dogs, also known as Alsatian, are not under any considerable threat of extinction. For the good German Shepherd temperament, they are mostly trained as herding dogs, companion dogs, search and rescue dogs, and sniffing dogs.
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Types Of German Shepherd By Function
First of all, the German Shepherd is divided into two types taking into account the role they play.
1. Companion German Shepherd
The companion German Shepherd is one that is kept as a pet, fulfilling the function that any other breed can carry out in a home. For example, their day to day will be based on caring for your family.
2. Working German Shepherd
In this case, the dog is used to perform some type of work, which can be carried out in the field, on a farm or, as we have said before, in the Security Forces. These, in general, have a greater musculature, a characteristic that allows them to act as police or guard dogs.
It should be noted that although this is their main function, they are also good housemates, especially in families that enjoy playing sports with their pets.
The working German Shepherd can have different shades and have long or short hair, although it usually presents with the most common color pattern: the sable.
What To Watch For
Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help.
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West And East German Shepherd Bloodlines Why The Split
Due to Germany’s divide by the Berlin Wall, the pre-existing differences between East and West German Shepherds became even more pronounced.
Germany was divided by the Berlin Wall after World War II. When that happened, ways of living varied greatly on each side of the Wall.
Living conditions weren’t just different for humans, but for their canine counterparts also.
Therefore, the pre-existing differences between East and West German Shepherds became even more pronounced due to the unique ways they were bred on each side.
For instance, German Shepherds produced from Eastern bloodlines were bred to be more aggressive because they worked alongside East German authorities.
This attribute played a role in stopping people from scaling the heavily-fortified Berlin Wall and escaping East Germany.
German Shepherd Boxer Mix
The German Shepherd and Boxer mix is a lucky breed with intelligence and energetic nature.
While their intelligence makes them a German Shepherd mix thats easy to train, they can also get distracted easily from their high energy.
Because of this, this crossbreed is also better suited to experienced dog owners. Sometimes they can also become a bit protective, acting as a guard dog within the household.
This German Shepherd and Boxer mix also tends to have a large, stocky body weighing between 50-85lbs/25-39kg and growing up to 22-25inches/56-64cm. Regarding its coat, though, it can be hard to predict as it can inherit the qualities of either parent.
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German Shepherd + Rottweiler = Rottweiler Shepherd
Shepherd pit is not pure dog breeds. Its crosses between two famous and pure breed German Shepherd and Rottweiler dog. The German Shepherd Rottweiler Mix is brimming with vitality, insightful, forceful pooch, and capable. He should be dynamic and tends to be defensive of his family.
- Life Expectancy: 10 to 13 years.
- Weight: 77 115 pounds
- Height: 22 27 inches
Coat Color And Grooming
The German Shepherd was originally bred to herd flocks in harsh climates, and their medium-length double coat fits the job perfectly, acting as protection the dog from rain and snow and resistant to picking up burrs and dirt.
The coat types of the German Shepherd are as varied as their color. Some German Shepherds are longhaired. However, the “ideal” German Shepherd has a double coat of medium length. The outer coat is dense with straight hair that lies close to the body, and is sometimes wavy and wiry.
The coat comes in variety of colors and patterns including black black and cream black and red black and silver black and tan blue gray liver sable and white. The American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize white as a color for this breed, however, and won’t let white German Shepherds compete in conformation shows, although they’re allowed in other competitions.
Sometimes jokingly called “German shedders,” the breed sheds year-round, and generally “blows”sheds a lot of hair at once, like a snowstormtwice a year. If you want a German Shepherd, be prepared for hair on your black pants, on your white couch, and pretty much all over the house.
There’s no magic solution to shedding, and we just have to accept it. However, brushing two to three times a week will help more of the hair come out in a brush, rather than on your furnishings. And a sturdy vacuum cleaner doesn’t hurt either.
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