| Pet buyers have many options today. Those in the | | | | high intelligence, trainability and physical and mental |
| market for a purebred German Shepherd need to | | | | endurance. This breed is also known to be loyal, |
| research the specifics before buying. This article will | | | | courageous and protective. Because of these |
| cover the history of the German Shepherd, | | | | inherent traits, it is very important that they begin life |
| characteristics, where to buy, and how to avoid illicit | | | | in an environment in which they receive stimulation, |
| breeders and sellers. Additionally, buyers should know | | | | attention, discipline and training. Reputable breeders |
| how to care for a purebred German Shepherd and | | | | take great care in providing a foundation upon which |
| be prepared for this well in advance of making a | | | | German Shepherds can grow to be smart and |
| purchase. | | | | socialized working dogs. |
| The history of the German Shepherd dog begins | | | | A bad German Shepherd breeder only breeds dogs |
| fairly recently compared to other breeds. Though | | | | for cold hard cash and nothing more. They see the |
| various sheep dogs existed in Germany, the first was | | | | puppies and the parents as merchandise, not as living |
| classified as such in 1899. A German cavalry captain, | | | | creatures. The term puppy mill or backyard breeder |
| Max von Stephanitz, noticed a fine example of a | | | | is the name given to these illicit breeders. The |
| sheep dog at a dog show. That dog, Hektor, was | | | | females are bred each and every season leading to |
| renamed Horand von Grafath, and he was the first | | | | shorter life spans and ill health. They are confined to |
| German Shepherd. Stephanitz founded The German | | | | very small cages and have no socialization of any |
| Shepherd Dog Club of Germany and became the first | | | | kind. The puppies are kept in the same kind of |
| German Shepherd breeder in history. | | | | conditions, which can lead to physically and |
| The German Shepherd dog has a relatively short | | | | emotionally unhealthy litters. These are the kind of |
| history. The first German Shepherd breeder, Max von | | | | puppies found at pet stores. |
| Stephanitz, registered the breed in Germany in 1899. | | | | The best advice is to find a reputable German |
| The American Kennel Club registered the breed in | | | | Sherperd breeder that really cares about the puppies |
| 1911. German Shepherds are sheep herding dogs and | | | | they produce. This kind of breeder will ask questions |
| are still used in some countries for that purpose | | | | of potential buyers to ensure the well being of the |
| today but they are more likely to be used in the | | | | puppy in it's new home. They will have all the |
| workforce for a variety of purposes including police | | | | appropriate paperwork such as American Kennel Club |
| work and as aides to the visually impaired. | | | | registration and veterinarian health reports as well as |
| German Shepherds, closely followed by Labradors, | | | | plenty of care information to pass on to the new |
| are one of the easiest breeds to train due to their | | | | family. |