Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Know The Facts About German Shepherd Pups

When raising a German Shepherd pup, you want to be careful that the techniques you use will be beneficial to your puppy not only for their safety, but for the safety of you and your loved ones. German Shepherd Puppies are protective by nature so they are generally a fantastic addition to a family's home. But, you want to make sure that they are protective over their family when strangers come around, instead of being protective of them around you. In order to achieve this, the bonding and training process must be a strong one while the pup is still young.

Making one right or wrong decision in the training process can mean a lifetime of a dog that doesn't want to listen and who cannot be trusted. If your German Shepherd is going to be a guard dog for you make sure that they are going to be a dog that is more of an alarm, rather than a violent dog as a violent dog always has the chance to turn on its owner if angered or confused.
A mistake that many people make when raising a German Shepherd pup for a guard dog is that they teach it rough lessons. These rough lessons include hitting the dog when the dog has done something wrong, yelling at it, and even sometimes pinning the dog down to try to show him or her who is boss. These techniques only end up badly as they teach your dog that you are not someone to respect, but someone to fear. And if your dog fears you, at their first available change they will try to rebel against you and can end up causing you a lot of great harm. Raising dogs in that type of manner is generally the reasons why you hear so many stories about dogs turning on their owners. While being pack animals, it is important to get them to follow you as the leader out of respect instead of fear.
If you want to make sure that you have a well-behaved and well-trained dog, it is important to make sure that proper training is done during the puppy stages to achieve this. Every German Shepherd pup should be able to sit, stay, come and heel on command. Along with potty training and other house breaking sessions, your pup must learn to listen to you.

Raising a well-behaved pup is easy as long as proper training and nutrition are given. Nutrition is something that a lot of people do not seem to always link to behavior problems. If your pup is suffering from something due to the lack of proper nutrition, then they may act out in order to tell you something is wrong. Since dogs can't speak, it is up to you to give them everything they need. By doing a few simple steps, you will help not only yourself but your pup as well.

The German Shepherd pup is not only a wonderful friend to have in the house but a great alarm, as they are ready to bark at any sign of danger. German Shepherd Puppies must be taught though who is in control though. German Shepherd puppy care is something that should be given with great care and caution. This will make sure that your German Shepherd pup grows into a trust worthy adult.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Advice About Picking German Shepherd Puppies

Once you have decided that you would like to bring German Shepherd puppies into your home and heart, you first need to read as much as possible about the breed so you are fully aware of some facts about them before making your purchase or adoption. Making the decision as to which puppy or puppies to bring into your home can be a hard one as they are all very cute and you are sure to feel love radiating from all of them. So, when trying to decide which puppy is best suited for you and your family, you must consider various things in order to make it a happy transfer for the puppy and a smooth one for your entire household. When you take your time and consider everything there is to think over, you are sure to make the right decision and you will never regret your choice.
When looking at German Shepherd puppies for sale, you need to make sure that the decision you make is one that is made only after a lot of consideration. To avoid any regrets down the road, it is best to think about your decision before acting on it, meaning you don't want to jump too soon. When looking at puppies that came from a breeder, it is important to take a good look at their surroundings and try to see it through the eyes of the puppy. Consider and think about if this is a place that seems to have been a good place for this puppy the last couple of weeks. Try and see if there is any sign of mistreatment or neglect as bringing home a puppy that was abused can cause a lot of heartache for you and the puppy. Make sure that your puppy is able to physically do things that other puppies of that age can do. Make sure that they can hear and see well and that they are not showing any signs of fear. Puppies that young should not be fearful of anything yet, as fear is a taught response.
Also, when looking at picking out the right German Shepherd puppy for you and your family, it is best to make sure that the puppy seems to play well with you. If the puppy seems to distance himself or herself a lot and tries to avoid affection or being held by every means possible, you may want to consider another puppy. As a puppy that doesn't like close affection will more than likely not like close affection later on as it grows into an adult. Then again, if you are looking for German Shepherd puppies who are more about being alone, this may be more of a dog that would act better as a guard dog. It is important to figure out what you want in your dog and then evaluate the puppy to see if it fits into your expectations so that you and your puppy will both be happy and content.

This article is intended to spread knowledge and concern for German Shepherd puppies and helps the reader understand how to pick the right one. This article explains how to choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will be a perfect fit for you and your family.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

A Good German Shepherd Puppy Can Have A Bad German Shepherd Puppy Name

German Shepherd puppies are smarter than you are, more loyal than you are and better looking than you are. No wonder you are thinking of getting one – they bring out the best in you. However, before bringing home a German Shepherd puppy, you need to be aware of the incredible change this will make to your life. By being aware of this German Shepherd puppy information, you will know whether another kind of pet or another breed of dog will be right for you.

German Shepherd puppies look a bit different from adults. Their ears are floppy instead of pointed, but they will naturally stand up as the puppy ages. Most German Shepherd puppies change color as they get older, but nothing so dramatic as changing from jet black to snowy white. German Shepherd puppies want to please you, want to have fun and want you to be the center of their world.
All puppies make a lot of mess, German Shepherd or not. They are like kids in that respect. They cannot help it. Get used top having things broken, urinated on and decorated with paw prints. If you are very fussy, then a German Shepherd puppy is not right for you. German Shepherd puppies need to have about four feedings a day until they are six months old, when they can go to two feedings a day.

This diet needs to be monitored closely. If a German Shepherd puppy grows too fast, this can lead to health problems. They also can't be exercised too heavily (as in training for agility or herding cattle) until they are eighteen months old, or they will experience health problems like elbow dysplasia.. You need to follow the diet and exercise schedule pretty closely in order to avoid a problem like a bone deformity in the legs.
Small puppies have small bladders. They will need to go outside to try and toilet every two hours until they are about six months old, when they can start holding their bladders for seven hours. When a German Shepherd puppy has an accident, it is not trying to be bad. They often can't hold it. German Shepherd puppies usually walk in circles sniffing when they need to go. However, once they learn, it's learned.

This might sound like a lot, and it is, but it can be done if you are committed to raising a German Shepherd puppy. You will find training easier by giving your puppy a German Shepherd name that easily attracts the puppy's attention. Don’t have it sound to similar to commands they hear all the time like "Stay" or "Heel". German Shepherd puppies are smart enough to respond to name changes. Don't use their registered name – it's too long and won't grab their attention..

German Shepherd puppies should be purchased only from responsible breeders. German Shepherd puppy names should not be similar at all to everyday commands.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The Best Toys For German Shepherd Puppies

German Shepherd puppies come in several varieties of colors. They can be black and tan, black and cream, black and silver, solid black, black and brown and sable. A German Shepherd puppy for sale that has tufts of hair in his ears and between his toes will be considered a long coated black German Shepherd and are not accepted as standard by the AKC, neither are completely white German Shepherd dogs.. However, the black long coated German Shepherd puppy will become an excellent family pet.

The easiest way to find German Shepherd puppies for sale is by looking on the Internet. That at least is a good start. There are several things you must consider when looking for a German Shepherd puppy for sale and locating a good breeder is one of the main considerations. You must do your homework by researching about the breed before you start any search for German Shepherd puppies.
Be aware when looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale. You must first research the breed well so you know everything you possibly can about German Shepherds. When researching the breed you will find out all of the information that you can expect from the breeder. The breed must be exceptionally knowledgeable about the breed and the AKC. He must give you all of the medical information on the puppy, as well as any social behavior problems or advantages. He must show you where the puppy has lived during his short life and he and his family must be interacting currently with the puppy as if it were their own. German Shepherd puppies usually come in litters of ten and the breeder must know characteristics about each and every puppy in the litter. He must also ask you specific questions that you will expect from reading the information about the breed.
The American Kennel Club tries to govern all registered puppy breeders especially German Shepherd breeders. Because there are so many German Shepherd breeders in existence it is very difficult to watch over all of them. However, when looking for a German Shepherd puppy for sale, you should know what you are looking for and ask the breeder a lot of questions. You will soon know whether you have found a good breeder. The breeder should be very open about his breeding policies and provide the proper American Kennel Club papers for every puppy.

German Shepherd puppies that are for sale should be wormed have preliminary shots and also have a very generous health guarantee. Some of these breeders will also provide a good crate with a favorite toy to help make the moving transition easier on the puppy and the owner. Be sure and ask about these items before even looking at the puppies because there will be no need to spend time with this breeder if he does not provide you with these essential items for the new puppy.

Make sure to research carefully the breed before choosing from a litter of German Shepherd puppies. Locate a good pet store when buying German Shepherd puppy supplies. Your breeder can help you in this endeavor.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Selecting A German Shepherd Puppy

For both the individual and family owner the German Shepherd puppy is an excellent pet since they are athletic, energetic and bonding. The breed is also trained for search and rescue roles as well as police dogs. When you are choosing between German Shepherd puppies for sale you should consider the health and breed standards. Set up an initial meeting with your puppy once you know which one you are considering buying. Carefully observe how the puppy reacts to your voice and touch, make sure they are eager to make friends and affectionate.

It is important to train your puppy early in life or at the very least find one with a good temperament since they can become aggressive later in life. Any methods the former owners have used in socializing are important to the early socializing of the dog. You want to start the puppy out early with interacting with other dogs and humans.
If you are buying from a breeder you next want to ask to see both of the parents of the puppy you are considering. You will want to carefully observe how the parents react to you as a stranger, as they shouldn't have any signs of unwanted aggression. The temperament of the parents will be present in the litter. You also want to make sure the parents move easily and unencumbered for health reasons. Ask to see the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification for the puppy's parents.

Hip dysphasia is common in German Shepherds and it is a genetic condition so it can be passed on to the litters. When you are considering German Shepherd puppies for sale it is always important to consider the rating that the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals gives to all registered canines as a result of X-rays showing the dogs bone structure. Dogs who are prone to hip dysphasia shouldn't be bred and if the owners can't give you Orthopedic Foundation for Animals certification for their dogs you should consider purchasing your puppies from someone else.
Next carefully look over the puppy you are considering. The eyes should be clear and alert and the gums should be pink and healthy. There should be no foreign matter in the ears. Without being overly energetic the puppy should be playful. When considering German Shepherd puppies for sale you should carefully consider the puppy's lineage. An American Kennel Club puppy from a breeder will have family charts that show not only the puppy's parents but also the ancestors of the puppy for several generations on both sides of the family. A good breeder will be happy to show you this detailed family tree and even provide you a copy for your records.

After you have chosen and purchased you German Shepherd puppy you should have it evaluated by a veterinarian right away, they will need to be de-wormed and get all their shots. To socialize your puppy with other dogs and human beings you should take them on walks, set up play dates with dogs or friends and take them with you into pet stores when you shop if it is allowed.

When you are looking forGerman Shepherd puppies you want to take several steps in order to find the right one. After getting a new puppy it is important to know proper German Shepherd puppy care.

Monday, June 9, 2008

Good German Shepherd Breeders

Pet buyers have many options today. Those in the market for a purebred German Shepherd need to research the specifics before buying. This article will cover the history of the German Shepherd, characteristics of the German shepherd, where to buy German Shepherds, and how to avoid illicit breeders and sellers of German Shepherds. Additionally, buyers should know how to care for a purebred German Shepherd and be prepared for this well in advance of making a purchase.

The history of the German Shepherd dog begins fairly recently compared to other breeds. Though various sheep dogs existed in Germany, the first German Shepherd was classified as such in 1899. A German cavalry captain, Max von Stephanitz, noticed a fine example of a sheep dog at a dog show. That dog, Hektor, was renamed Horand von Grafath, and he was the first German Shepherd. Stephanitz founded The German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany and became the first German Shepherd breeder in history.
The German Shepherd dog has a large body and is wolfish in appearance. Stephanitz initially inbred the line to retain its lupine beauty, intelligence and utility. Unfortunately, inbreeding also caused genetic defects. German Shepherds are highly prone to hip dysplasia and other skeletal disorders. It is recommended that any potential buyer ask for a warranty from the breeder that their dog has been evaluated and cleared for hip dysplasia.

There are many places where a buyer can acquire a purebred German Shepherd. These include breeders, brokers, the Internet, the newspaper (private owners), pet stores, shelters and rescue centers. Simply put, the best place to buy a purebred German Shepherd is from a certified, ethical German Shepherd breeder. These breeders have their own kennels and often work in tandem with rescue centers or house rescues within their own kennels. All other sellers of German Shepherds cannot provide a full history and put buyers at risk of purchasing dogs with health and behavioral problems as well an uncertain ancestry.
A reputable German Shepherd breeder will provide registration papers for each Shepherd they sell, preferably certified by the American Kennel Club. German Shepherd breeders will also provide medical records on demand and offer a warranty or guarantee regarding certain health conditions like hip dysplasia. A good German Shepherd breeder may also ask the buyer to sign a contract stating that he or she will have the dog spayed/neutered or evaluated for other medical conditions within specific time frames.

Good breeders do not sell their dogs to pet stores. Breeders care what happens to their breed and want to know information about the potential homes puppies are going to. Though pet stores display adorable puppies to consumers, the background that these puppies come from is not so pretty. Puppies are born and shipped in cages. Like any other merchandise, they are stored and then sold. Unsold puppies are destroyed. The parents of these puppies are bred twice a year in cages with little to no socialization. Every purchase from a pet store funds the perpetuation of this cycle. This is why it is important that buyers purchase only from ethical German Shepherd breeders and rescue centers.

When finding German Shepherd information and researching places to buy a German Shepherd, the focus should be on finding ethical German Shepherd breeders. This article provides German Shepherd information and cites ways to obtain German Shepherds, whether through a pet shop, broker or German Shepherd breeder.

Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Buying From German Shepherd Breeders

The German Shepherd dog breed was registered in the herding group by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1911. Though German Shepherds are descended from sheep herding dogs, they perform many other functions today. German Shepherds are one of the most utilitarian dog breeds in the world.

The first German Shepherd was named Hektor. A dog fancier and German cavalry captain named Max von Stephanitz saw Hektor at a dog show and found him to be an excellent example of a German sheepdog. Stephanitz, who would be the first of many German Shepherd breeders, renamed Hektor as Horand von Grafath and founded the German Shepherd Dog Club in 1899 with the intention of maintaining the inherent traits of the first German Shepherd.

German Shepherds have been bred to retain both their intelligence and utility. Stephanitz also bred the Shepherd to retain its wolf-like appearance. The breed has many strengths including fierce loyalty, trainability, and ability to multi-task. German Shepherd breeders may specialize in training this breed in any of the above areas.
It is very important that German Shepherds begin life in an environment in which they receive stimulation, attention, discipline and training. Because of their very nature, great care goes into raising German Shepherds to be smart and socialized working dogs. Reputable German Shepherd breeders raise dogs in their own kennels and encourage buyers to visit and get to know both the purebred puppy they are buying and its mother. Good breeders specialize in only one or two breeds and are affiliated with the American Kennel Club and dog rescue centers. German Shepherd breeders are involved in training and competition programs with their Shepherds.

German Shepherd breeders will provide not only registration papers and certification of ancestry (preferably American Kennel Club certified) but also medical records showing evidence of health and immunization. These documents are necessary to determine whether a buyer is getting a purebred, healthy German Shepherd. There are many illicit breeders in the market to make money with little regard for the dogs they are breeding. These bad breeders often are puppy brokers as well, meaning they sell dogs that they may have never even seen. Worse are breeders who run puppy mills, which churn out litters but in poor conditions with little socialization.
Sure-fire signs of bad German Shepherd breeders include the fact that they only sell puppies over the Internet, they have no physical kennel of their own or only broker puppies, they ask for a non-refundable down payment before the litter is born, they do not plan to keep one of the litter, They claim to have a kennel but will not allow a buyer to visit and they have many dogs for sale at one time. Bad breeders also cannot provide adequate registration or certification paperwork, cannot provide medical record information or refer you to only their" veterinarian, and they don't ask the buyer questions about their household. They do not care where their puppies are going.

Good German Shepherd breeders have the opposite qualities of the above. Additionally, they are affiliated with other agencies and rescue centers that help promote and care for the breed. Most importantly, good breeders love the breed they raise!

It is important to know how to locate reputable German Shepherd breeders. This article provides German Shepherd information and gives a history of German Shepherd breeders.

Monday, May 19, 2008

German Shepherd Information

The first German Shepherd was named Hektor. Hektor was thought to be an excellent example of a sheep herding dog and in 1899 a German named Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz renamed Hektor, Horand von Grafath, and registered him as the first German Shepherd in the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany. Von Stephanitz brought the breed back into popularity so much that approximately 48,000 German Shepherds were "enlisted" in World War I.

The German Shepherd breed is registered in the herding group by the American Kennel Club because of its skill in sheep herding. However, German Shepherd dogs are used for many other purposes today. They are the most common dogs used by police and military for protection and tracking and by the visually impaired as guides. German shepherds are highly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and are at their best when put to work. They can be trained to do multiple tasks. Of course, German Shepherds are also excellent family dogs especially for protection and home security. A German Shepherd breeder may specialize in training this breed in any of the above areas.
A good German Shepherd breeder will be able to provide you with documentation of the dog's pedigree and medical history. Because German Shepherds are prone to many skeletal disorders, especially of the hip, the breeder should also include a warranty or statement that the dog has been evaluated for these issues. Getting documentation is also a good way to make sure your Shepherd is purebred as well determining what accomplishments the dog has in his ancestry. Most German Shepherds are trained and certified in many areas and a pedigree will list these achievements.

Make sure you know how to properly care for your German Shepherd and ask advice from the breeder on diet, exercise, and general training. A reputable breeder should have his or her own kennel and your German Shepherd should have received daily socialization, exercise and grooming as well as good nutrition and exposure to other animals. Lastly, make sure you have a purpose for buying a German Shepherd. This intelligent, hard-working breed is happiest when its owner gives it daily tasks to complete.
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, some breeders over-breed Shepherds in what are called puppy mills. These mills churn out puppies with little regard for the health, happiness or socialization of the adult dogs. Due to this practice, many adult German Shepherds are in need of homes. Rescue centers foster and adopt out dogs by matching them with loving owners. This is an excellent way to obtain a trained, purebred German Shepherd at a reduced cost. 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.

Responsible German Shepherd breeders only sell authentic German Shepherd dogs. German Shepherd information is provided to assist the German Shepherd breeder and buyer.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Things To Know About Your German Shepherd Breeder

You and your family have made your decision and plan to get a German Shepherd as the new family pet. Now that you have made that decision the time has come for an even more important decision and that is choosing the right German Shepherd breeder for you and your family. This part of the process is extremely important so take it very seriously and make sure you do a thorough check of all the available breeders before you settle on just one.

You will be talking to a lot of breeders and this is necessary because any reputable breeder will expect you to talk to a lot of breeders. You are not going to hurt a good breeder's feelings by exploring options. Don't just settle for the first breeder you talk to, branch out and talk to more. You will be needing to feel comfortable talking with your breeder for many years to come so make sure you feel like you can really talk to the breeder you choose.
Ask your German Shepherd breeder what breeder registry they are listed with so you can get an idea of what breeding standards they subscribe to. The main registry in the United States is the American Kennel Club but there are others and they are just as reputable. If your breeder does not belong to a registry then ask them why and ask them about the standards they use for breeding. This information can be very important to you when making a decision.

A reputable breeder will give you a large amount of detailed information about your new dog when you leave with it, along with a sample of their food so you know what kind of food to feed them. A good breeder will take the time to answer your questions and make sure that you have all the information you need. If the breeder you are talking to does not plan on supplying this type of assistance then find a different breeder.
In some cases insurance companies see opportunity with the more reputable German Shepherd breeders and they give these breeders free pet insurance policies to give to new pup owners. The policies are for six weeks and should help cover some of the cost of your first vet appointment. If you like the policy the insurance company hopes you renew it, the German Shepherd breeder will just be happy to offer you a free policy that helps you with those vet bills, which even for a new puppy can be outrageous.

If you and your breeder do not get along then you chose the wrong breeder. That is why it is so important to spend time talking to a lot of breeders until you find one that you feel like you really click with and can talk to. A good breeder will be in your dog's life, and your family's life, for many years to come so make sure you are comfortable with the breeder you choose and take your time so that you make the right choice in this important decision.

You will find important information regarding German Shepherd breeders in this article. There is some very useful and important German Shepherd information in this article.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

A Useful Way To Find German Shepherd Breeders

The family has decided that it is time to get that German Shepherd pup you have all been talking about for a while now so all you need to do is contact the German Shepherd breeder of your choice and get your dog. What? You have no idea how to get in touch with a good German Shepherd breeder? Well that is no problem. There are many steps you should follow to find a breeder that you will very happy to work with. Some of the methods are obvious while others are not so obvious but you should try them all to find the right breeder for you.

As simple as this may sound you can start your search by looking in the phone book. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that contrary to popular belief not all reputable business people advertise in the phone book. Some of the better breeders only do business with referrals from people they know and that may be better than anyone you can find in the phone book. But it is worth a try.
You will never get better pet advice than the advice you get from your vet. If you already have pets and go to regular vet then be sure to ask them to recommend a good German Shepherd breeder that you can talk to. If this will be your first pet then the best time to find a vet is while you are looking for a breeder. This way your vet can refer you to the breeders that they do business with, trust and refer you to. It is a large network of referrals and the only way into that network is to keep customers happy so you should be able to get a great recommendation from your vet.

You will also want to see what the national breeder registries have listed for breeders in your area. The national registries like the American Kennel Club have their codes of breeding that their member breeders use as their breed guidelines and standards. So not only will you find the names of breeders that care enough about their business to adhere to a national standard but you can also see what that standard is.
The Internet is a great resource all around and sometimes even the most reputable of German Shepherd breeders do not list themselves with registries. They may, however, have a website for you to look through. So the Internet is yet another source where you can do your German Shepherd breeder research. The Internet is full of a lot of very useful information that can help you decide if a breeder is right for you or not. You can also use the Internet to see the list of all of the breeders in your area regardless of whether or not they are listed with a registry. It is a great tool to use.

Using just one source to find your German Shepherd breeder is not a great way to go about finding the right one. You need to use a combination of resources to help you find the breeders that you will want to talk to. Remember to take your time and make the right decisions, as the breeder you choose will be the breeder you are with for many years to come.

There is helpful information about finding German Shepherd breeders in this article. You can use this article as a resource when you need German Shepherd information.

Monday, April 21, 2008

AKC Standards For German Shepherds

The body that establishes standards of dog breeds in the United States is the American Kennel Club (AKC). The American Kennel Club decides what qualities make a dog a show quality German Shepherd. German Shepherds in dog shows are judged against these standards, and the dog that comes the closest to matching all the standards of the breed wins the dog show. German Shepherds that win certain prizes in American Kennel Club dog shows can earn the rank of American Kennel Club champion, a designation that appears on a dog's pedigree.

The categories that make up the standard of the German Shepherd breed include: appearance, temperament, size and proportion, coat and color and gait, the way the dog moves. A German Shepherd who meets the appearance standard of the breed gives the impression of a strong animal, alert and full of life. A good German Shepherd looks substantial and muscular, with an expression of nobility and quality breeding. The standard of the German Shepherd breed calls for a confident personality, slow to make friends. German Shepherds are alert and eager, ready to be report for duty as guide dogs, guard dogs, police dogs, herding dogs or loyal family companions.
American Kennel Club standards require German Shepherd males to stand twenty four to twenty six inches tall at the shoulder. Females should stand twenty two to twenty four inches tall at the shoulder. A strong appearance of nobility marks the German Shepherd head. The appearance of the head should communicate the sex of the animal, masculine for males and feminine for females. The head must be proportional to the body. The eyes should be almond shaped and dark, American Kennel Club judges score the most points for the darkest possible eye color. The ears should be moderately pointed and the muzzle long, strong, and pronounced. The nose must be predominantly black. The standard for the German Shepherd's neck is long and strong, with the head held high and proud. The rib cage is deep, with long ribs, a firm underbelly and a full tail held high in the air. The shoulders and forearms show muscular strength, with short, compact feet carrying the German Shepherd in its signature trotting gait. The upper thigh should run parallel to the shoulder blade and the lower thigh should run parallel to the upper arm are parallel. Hindquarters should be broad, with dewclaws absent from the back legs.
German Shepherds that win American Kennel Club championships have double coats that are short with a very thick coat on the outside, covering most of the body, and shorter hair on the head, legs and paws. Faults of the coat that lead to disqualification in a dog show include a soft, silky, wooly and curly coat. Surprisingly, a variety of color combinations are permitted. White dogs, however, are instantly disqualified. Judges prefer rich colors; virtually any combination of black and tan is favored. Faults of the gate are grounds for disqualification, and for good cause. A dog with a faulty gait may have a skeletal disorder that could be passed on to its puppies, and an American Kennel Club champion will inevitably be used for breeding. A German Shepherd that meets the standard trots smoothly, with seemingly little effort, covering territory with ease.

If you are looking for a loving canine companion who will offer unsurpassed loyalty and love, then a German Shepherd is for you, whether it meets these standards are not. These are standards of the breed that are used in dog shows. These qualities are optimal but not required for a pet.

American Kennel Club standards for a German Shepherd cover a dog's appearance and temperament. Maintaining high standards requires breeders to follow practices that promote healthy German Shepherds. Breeders are always looking for German Shepherd information that will help them maintain the standards of this noble breed. To talk to a breeder or see German Shepherds that meet the standards, go to a dog show and see these dogs first hand.

Monday, April 14, 2008

All About Life With German Shepherd Dogs As Pets

When anyone says the word dog, the image that pops up in most people's mind is that of the German Shepherd. Also known as Alsatians (from the province in France where the breed was developed), the German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in the world. With their distinctive look, incredible intelligence and remarkable personalities, you would think the German Shepherd would be the perfect dog.

But a German Shepherd is not the dog for everyone. Their large size, their exuberant nature, their coats and sometimes health problems leave many thousands of German Shepherd Dogs to be abandoned every year. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that a quarter of all strays are purebreds, including purebred German Shepherds. Knowing basic German Shepherd information can help teach you what to expect from them as pets will help you decide if a German Shepherd is right for you and your family.
Daily life with a German Shepherd should include a lot of interaction and fuss with your family and your dog. They love to be in the center of the action and are strong enough to force their way to the center of the action if not supervised. Keeping the dog exercised, including games and playing in the yard will help to keep his or her energy levels down. German Shepherds are not vicious by nature, but they can play rough, just like puppies do.

You will need to brush your German Shepherd every day to keep out tangles and to keep shedding to a minimum. Most German Shepherds have thick, double layer coats, although there are many with single layer coats. Bathing the German Shepherd Dog too often can result in shedding and dandruff production beyond belief so only bathe when absolutely necessary. Train your dog to be still when brushed and do it after exercise.
German Shepherd dogs are highly trainable, providing they get regular exercise and aren't overfed. Too much food for a German Shepherd is like giving too much sugar and caffeine to a child – they can't help being a bit hyper afterwards. They are also more trainable and calmer is you have them spayed or neutered. This also cuts down in incidences of wandering, aggression and cancers of the reproductive organs. Leave the breeding of German Shepherds to the experts.

Another point not usually touted in German Shepherd information from the AKC is that they often have health problems. The German Shepherd Rescue of North Carolina has estimated that care of a German Shepherd Dog costs about three thousand dollars per year, and German Shepherds live into their teens. If you take on a German Shepherd be committed to taking care of them financially as well as with affection, proper grooming, diligent training and proper nutrition.

Many people love collecting anything and everything having to do with German Shepherd dogs. Writing a book on dog care for newbies, including a large section on German Shepherd information could sell a million copies.

Monday, April 7, 2008

German Shepherds 101: Their Personalities

What qualities would you look for in a friend? You would hope they would stick by your side through good times and bad. You pray that they will never betray your secrets. You wish that they would help you out when you needed help. You can find all of these qualities in a German Shepherd dog. And, as added benefit, they won’t sue you, either.

You need to do your part in this friendship, as well, in order for it to work out. You have to be patient, have a sense of humor and learn all you can about the German Shepherd breed. You have to be committed to exercising your German Shepherd dog every day, with a walk and play. They need to be active, or else they get a bit hyperactive. They also need regular trips to the vet for inoculations and check ups. Purebred German Shepherds are more inclined to have genetically caused problems than many other breeds of dog. You must be willing to pay any and all medical costs for your friend.
German Shepherds are indeed powerful dogs that can take quite a large chunk out of you – when they are given the command to. They will also attack if they think anyone in their family is being threatened. There are some German Shepherds that, in the presence of an intruder, will run and hide rather than attack, but they don't get much press. They have to be trained to attack before they would ever attack another human being.

Since German Shepherd dogs are so large (they average about 75 pounds), they often do not know their own strength. Ever watch puppies playing? They wrestle quite fiercely and often bite softly. German Shepherd dogs will think you want to play like a puppy – very roughly. This can cause unintentional (but still painful) injury. It is important that your German Shepherd be trained and regularly exercised in order to prevent any accidental injuries.
A German Shepherd dog looks to you as a worshipper looks to God. Don't abuse this trust and devotion. You don't like it when God rains bad situations down on you through no fault of your own. This sadly happens to many German Shepherds who are abandoned because their owners did not take the time to learn basic German Shepherd information about their care, needs and personalities.

German Shepherd dogs are very hard to distinguish from human beings in terms of their needs and personalities. They need attention, want to know when they've good job and need a reason for being alive. In their world, they want the good to be rewarded and the bad to be punished. If they are taught to do something bad, they think they are doing well by obeying and will have a hard time understanding why they are being punished. They are capable of being retrained, if you have the guts to stick with your best friend.

This author hopes that one day humans will act as good as German Shepherd dogs. New dog owners should know basic German Shepherd information before bringing home a German Shepherd rescue dog.

Wednesday, March 5, 2008

The History Behind The German Shepherd

All the credit for the development of this highly intelligent, loyal and obedient breed goes to Max von Stephanitz. It was exclusively his idea that fused a great range of sheep herding dogs into one single breed. He envisaged a dog of principled character, wise working ability, faithful and extensively trainable. Shepherd dogs used to be the true working dogs during 18th and 19th centuries. In Germany, the shepherds used their dogs to guide their group of sheep or domestic animals. These dogs did not have any particular origin. For those dogs, the only necessity was their working ability, but not their looks.

During late 19th century a movement initiated in the process of guiding sheep, which was led by Captain von Stephanitz with an idea to establish his organization, Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde for breeding dogs combining both talents and looks. In his breeding technique, although the primary emphasis was given on improving the working efficiency, Max von Stephanitz also put his effort to improve beauty of the German Shepherd.
In the historical timeline, the evolvement of German Shepherd was not always that smooth. In fact, there was a time when there was a reduction in the demand of the shepherd dogs. During that phase, the great innovator Captain von Stephanitz shaped his idea of breeding the German Shepherd in absolutely a new direction as police service dogs, where these dog were increasingly trained as police dogs in order to serve the nation. In the late 19th century and early 20th century, an increasing number of dog shows actually started influencing the breeders to take both appearance and efficiency into account.

During 1899, the idea of the contemporary German Shepherd came into existence with the continuous contribution of von Stephanitz and the formation of Verein. England discovered German Shepherds in World War I and took it back to the U.K. under the name of Alsatian. Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde regulated all the breeding in Germany during that phase. However, Germany was devastated and ruined following World War II, and the same was true with the breeding organization and policies. During that period, the credit of breeding the best German Shepherds went to North America.
However, in the late 19th century, von Stephanitz tried to find out new arenas of breeding German Shepherd dogs with the help of his extensive experience and application of knowledge. He kept his faith about many ideas used in England by that time. During 1899, von Stephanitz participated in a dog show, where he bought Horand von Grafrath. This is the time when Verein was founded and it was Horand who took his entry in the studbook as the first registered German Shepherd. Captain von Stephanitz was most impressed by the qualities of Horand.

Horand was a medium size dog with a blend of liveliness and activity. An obedient, brave, defensive and energetic type of dog was mostly adored for its mental alertness. Additionally, it had beautiful lines all over the body. These were the qualities that made the German Shepherd acquire such a universal acceptance. In modern days, German imports of German Shepherds are highly desirable to everyone for their incredible sense of smell, extraordinary obedience, sound temperament, and excellent physical structure and working efficiency.


The German Shepherd is an active breed with elegant beauty. It has a universal appeal due to its excellent obedience, loyalty and working ability. German Shepherd information is available in this article along with a brief history.

German Shepherd