| ign="center"> | | | | pedigree will list these achievements. |
| The German Shepherd dog has a relatively short | | | | Make sure you know how to properly care for your |
| history though it is a well-loved and well-worked dog | | | | German Shepherd and ask advice from the breeder |
| today. The breed began in Germany in 1899 and was | | | | on diet, exercise, and general training. A reputable |
| registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in | | | | breeder should have his or her own kennel and your |
| 1911. By World War I, over 48,000 German | | | | German Shepherd should have received daily |
| Shepherds were enlisted in the German army. Though | | | | socialization, exercise and grooming as well as good |
| the breed is part of the herding group, the German | | | | nutrition and exposure to other animals. Lastly, make |
| Shepherd dog has many other talents and can be | | | | sure you have a purpose for buying a German |
| trained in a variety of fields. | | | | Shepherd. This intelligent, hard-working breed is |
| A German Shepherd breeder, unlike any other dog | | | | happiest when its owner gives it daily tasks to |
| breeder, may specialize in German Shepherds trained | | | | complete. |
| in a certain line of work. For example, Shepherds are | | | | Now that you know what to look for in a German |
| often trained to be guides for the visually impaired. | | | | Shepherd and a German Shepherd breeder, you are |
| They are also trained to become members of the | | | | ready to find the perfect German Shepherd. There is |
| police force and must know detailed scent, track and | | | | an alternative to buying a purebred puppy from a |
| protection techniques. | | | | breeder. Reputable breeders are usually affiliated with |
| German Shepherds are easier to train than many | | | | or run rescue centers. A German Shepherd rescue |
| other breeds because of their inherent courage, | | | | center houses Shepherds that have been abused, |
| physical and mental strength, work ethic, intelligence, | | | | abandoned or neglected. |
| loyalty and hardiness. German Shepherd dogs are well | | | | Unfortunately, some breeders over-breed Shepherds |
| suited to any job that allows them to protect and | | | | in what are called puppy mills. These mills churn out |
| serve. There is no better protector than a German | | | | puppies with little regard for the health, happiness or |
| Shepherd. | | | | socialization of the adult dogs. Due to this practice, |
| A good German Shepherd breeder will be able to | | | | many adult German Shepherds are in need of homes. |
| provide you with documentation of the dog's | | | | Rescue centers foster and adopt out dogs by |
| pedigree and medical history. Because German | | | | matching them with loving owners. This is an |
| Shepherds are prone to many skeletal disorders, | | | | excellent way to obtain a trained, purebred German |
| especially of the hip, the breeder should also include a | | | | Shepherd at a reduced cost. It also gives the |
| warranty or statement that the dog has been | | | | Shepherd a second chance at a good life. Consider a |
| evaluated for these issues. Getting documentation is | | | | rescued German Shepherd when making your |
| also a good way to make sure your Shepherd is | | | | purchase. Rescue center staff can also refer you to |
| purebred as well determining what accomplishments | | | | reputable breeders if they do not have kennels for |
| the dog has in his ancestry. Most German Shepherds | | | | this purpose. |
| are trained and certified in many areas and a | | | | |