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German Shepherd Specification[/caption]German Shepherd 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. 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. The Germans have a special training program for Shepherds to become "Schutzhunds," or protection dogs.
There are a few precautions any potential German Shepherd buyer should take before making a purchase of a purebred German Shepherd dog. Third, know what it takes to care for a German Shepherd. Purebred German Shepherds have specific characteristics. The German Shepherd breeder should have his or her own kennel, and dogs should receive daily contact, grooming, socializing and training.
Unfortunately, a German Shepherd breeder may attempt to sell faulty German Shepherds. This breed is prone to hip problems and a reputable German Shepherd breeder will give you some form of warranty or guarantee that your German Shepherd has been evaluated.
Now that you know basic German Shepherd traits and medical conditions, how to care for your Shepherd, what to look for in a German Shepherd breeder, and what purpose you will utilize your Shepherd for, it is time to find the perfect German Shepherd. German Shepherd rescue centers save Shepherds from abusive, neglectful or uncaring environments. Consider a rescued German Shepherd as an alternative when buying your dog.
As their name implies, German Shepherd were bred as herding dogs. German Shepherds are very intelligent and versatile. They can be trained to be police dogs, guide dogs, seeing-eye dogs, protection dogs and so on. Male German Shepherds should be neutered early.
German Shepherd have been an extremely popular breed for many years which has led to problems associated with overbreeding and poor breeding. Widespread genetic and temperament problems has left the Shepherd breed abounding with dogs who suffer from health and behaviour problems, excessive shyness and aggression. German Shepherds are prone to a vast array of health concerns.
