Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Where To Find AKC Registered German Shepherd Breeders

By Jan Ryan

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. Briefly renamed the Alsatian Wolf Dog due to anti-German sentiment surrounding World War II, the German Shepherd regained popularity so much that over 48,000 German Shepherds were enlisted into the German army. The intelligent and hard-working breed can be trained in a variety of areas.

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.

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 German Shepherd breeders will also have registration papers or some form of pedigree for each Shepherd they sell, preferably from the American Kennel Club. German Shepherd breeders will also provide medical records and offer a guarantee against the dog developing hip dysplasia at least within the first year.

Good breeders have their own kennels, and dogs should receive daily socialization as well as being well fed and groomed. Unfortunately, there are many German Shepherd breeders who may attempt to sell Shepherds with false registration papers. They may also sell unhealthy German Shepherds. It is important to know how to avoid bad German shepherd breeders.

It is important for buyers to know the qualities of bad German Shepherd breeders and to report bad breeders if they come across them. Bad dogs are not born they are made- by bad breeders and owners. Breeders have the responsibility of raising their breed in nurturing, suitable environments. Buyers also have responsibilities. The first is doing their research. A buyer that doesn't know what to expect in a dog breed, may inadvertently neglect the dog's needs in turn creating a bad dog.

Another sign is that the breeder cannot or will not provide health information. Some may have ties with specific veterinarians and may want a buyer to get medical documentation only from certain vets. A buyer should be able to take their puppy for evaluation at the veterinarian's office of their choice.

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!

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