| The German Shepherd dog has a relatively short | | | | do. Shepherds also require daily grooming and |
| history though it is a well-loved and well-worked dog | | | | exercise. Hopefully, you have a purpose for buying |
| today. The breed began in Germany in 1899 and was | | | | this breed since German Shepherds need to work to |
| registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) in | | | | be happy and they are intelligent enough to be |
| 1911. By World War I, over 48,000 German | | | | trained in many areas, even only for home protection. |
| Shepherds were enlisted in the German army. Though | | | | A reputable German Shepherd breeder will provide |
| the breed is part of the herding group, the German | | | | not only registration papers and certification of |
| Shepherd dog has many other talents and can be | | | | ancestry (preferably AKC certified) but also medical |
| trained in a variety of fields. | | | | records showing evidence of health and immunization. |
| A German Shepherd breeder, unlike any other dog | | | | These documents are necessary to determine |
| breeder, may specialize in German Shepherds trained | | | | whether you are getting a purebred, healthy German |
| in a certain line of work. For example, Shepherds are | | | | Shepherd. |
| often trained to be guides for the visually impaired. | | | | Now that you know what to look for in a German |
| They are also trained to become members of the | | | | Shepherd and a German Shepherd breeder, you are |
| police force and must know detailed scent, track and | | | | ready to find the perfect German Shepherd. There is |
| protection techniques. | | | | an alternative to buying a purebred puppy from a |
| German Shepherds are easier to train than many | | | | breeder. Reputable breeders are usually affiliated with |
| other breeds because of their inherent courage, | | | | or run rescue centers. A German Shepherd rescue |
| physical and mental strength, work ethic, intelligence, | | | | center houses Shepherds that have been abused, |
| loyalty and hardiness. German Shepherd dogs are well | | | | abandoned or neglected. |
| suited to any job that allows them to protect and | | | | Unfortunately, some breeders over-breed Shepherds |
| serve. There is no better protector than a German | | | | in what are called puppy mills. These mills churn out |
| Shepherd. | | | | puppies with little regard for the health, happiness or |
| When purchasing a German Shepherd it is important | | | | socialization of the adult dogs. Due to this practice, |
| to know what to look for. Adult male German | | | | many adult German Shepherds are in need of homes. |
| Shepherds weigh 85-100 lbs. and stand over two | | | | Rescue centers foster and adopt out dogs by |
| feet tall at the shoulder. Adult females are 55-75 lbs. | | | | matching them with loving owners. This is an |
| and almost as tall as a male. Shepherds are prone to | | | | excellent way to obtain a trained, purebred German |
| certain physical ailments such as hip and elbow | | | | Shepherd at a reduced cost. It also gives the |
| dysplasia, other skeletal disorders that can cause | | | | Shepherd a second chance at a good life. Consider a |
| lameness, and a blood disorder specific to the breed | | | | rescued German Shepherd when making your |
| called von Willebrand's Disease. | | | | purchase. Rescue center staff can also refer you to |
| It is also important to know how to care for your | | | | reputable breeders if they do not have kennels for |
| German Shepherd. These dogs are happiest when | | | | this purpose. |
| working so it is essential that they be given tasks to | | | | |