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.

A German Shepherd breeder, unlike any other dog breeder, may specialize in German Shepherds trained in a certain line of work. For example, Shepherds are often trained to be guides for the visually impaired. They are also trained to become members of the police force and must know detailed scent, track and protection techniques.

German Shepherds are easier to train than many other breeds because of their inherent courage, physical and mental strength, work ethic, intelligence, loyalty and hardiness. German Shepherd dogs are well suited to any job that allows them to protect and serve. There is no better protector than a German Shepherd.
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 information, 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.

It is important to know how to locate reputable German Shepherd breeders. German Shepherd information is provided to assist the German Shepherd breeder and buyer.

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