German Shepherd Breeders: Where To Find Them
The German Shepherd dog has a relatively short history though it is a well-loved and well-worked dog today. The breed began in Germany in 1899 and was registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1911. By World War I, over 48,000 German Shepherds were enlisted in the German army. Though the breed is part of the herding group, the German Shepherd dog has many other talents and can be trained in a variety of fields.
German Shepherds are native to Germany. The first of the breed was a sheep-herding dog. This dog, given the name Horand von Grafath, became the first German Shepherd registered in the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany in 1899. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1911. German Shepherd breeders are common in North America due to the high demand not only for purebred German Shepherds, but for Shepherds with specific training. A German Shepherd breeder may specialize in training this breed for the visually impaired, for the police, and for use in tracking and protection. The Germans have a special training program for Shepherds to become “Schutzhunds,” or protection dogs.
When purchasing a German Shepherd it is important to know what to look for. Adult male German Shepherds weigh 85-100 lbs. and stand over two feet tall at the shoulder. Adult females are 55-75 lbs. and almost as tall as a male. Shepherds are prone to certain physical ailments such as hip and elbow dysplasia, other skeletal disorders that can cause lameness, and a blood disorder specific to the breed called von Willebrand’s Disease.
It is also important to know how to care for your German Shepherd. These dogs are happiest when working so it is essential that they be given tasks to do. Shepherds also require daily grooming and exercise. Hopefully, you have a purpose for buying this breed since German Shepherds need to work to be happy and they are intelligent enough to be trained in many areas, even only for home protection.
A reputable German Shepherd breeder will provide not only registration papers and certification of ancestry (preferably AKC certified) but also medical records showing evidence of health and immunization. These documents are necessary to determine whether you are getting a purebred, healthy German Shepherd.
Now that you know what to look for in a German Shepherd and a German Shepherd breeder, you are ready to find the perfect German Shepherd. There is an alternative to buying a purebred puppy from a breeder. Reputable breeders are usually affiliated with or run rescue centers. A German Shepherd rescue center houses Shepherds that have been abused, abandoned or neglected.
Unfortunately, many German Shepherds, among other dog breeds, are raised in what are termed puppy mills, where breeders continuously make the dogs produce litters with no regard for the adult’s health and happiness. Breeders who run illegal puppy mills are even worse than those trying to sell fake purebred dogs.
It also gives the Shepherd a second chance at a good life. Consider a rescued German Shepherd when making your purchase. Rescue center staff can also refer you to reputable breeders if they do not have kennels for this purpose.
