How To Breed German Shepherds

German Shepherd Bloodlines And Breeding: Expert Advice And Tips

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get compensated if you buy through these links this is at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclosure here.

Josh Billings is credited with the quote

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than himself.

That saying never rings more true than it does with German Shepherd Dogs.

Since this canine is specifically bred to meet the specialized needs their owners require, having one is a responsibility that shouldnt be taken lightly.

If you are considering making a GSD part of your life, keep in mind that a German Shepherd is one of the most powerful dogs on the planet!

Im Cindy Kelly, and at Regis Regal German Shepherds, we know how important it is for you to adopt a German Shepherd that is a good fit for your personality and lifestyle.

To make sure that happens, its best to get you familiarized with the different German Shepherd bloodlines and breeding practices.

For starters, if you want to purchase one of these lovely fellows or ladies, its vital to understand the main differences between the attributes and traits each bloodline offers.

To that end, Ive put together the following history and background on this world-famous dogs bloodlines.

Read Also: Best Nail Clippers For German Shepherd

German Shepherd Breeding Specific Information

The first thing potential dog breeders should do before undertaking the challenge is to educate themselves on the German Shepherd breed. The kind of information to look for includes things like:

• What age does the Dam have to be before breeding can start
• Are there any standards that must be met
• What health concerns should be addressed
• How to choose the right male partner for breeding

Those are just some examples of what needs to be known before getting started. As surprising as it may sound, the answers can change across breeds. So its crucial that dog breeders do their homework on the specific breed theyre dealing with.

Adopting A Black German Shepherd

German Shepherds are pretty common throughout the United States. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Often, youll need to find someone who specializes in black German Shepherds to adopt a puppy.

Because these dogs are much rarer than the usual coloration, you can expect that they wont be regularly available. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. The supply just cant meet the demand easily.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2,000 for a high-quality, completely black puppy. This is significantly more expensive than the $500 to $1,500 you can expect to pay for a usual German Shepherd. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most.

For comparison, a French Bulldog costs anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000.

It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort.

We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament.

You May Like: Chocolate Dream Cake Whole Foods

The History And Origin Of The German Shepherd Dog

Other names for the German Shepherd Dog

Alsatian

The German Shepherd Dog is a breed of large-sized dog that originated in Germany in 1899. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds are working dogs developed originally for herding and guarding sheep. Because of their strength, intelligence and abilities in obedience training they are often employed in police and military roles around the world.

East German Shepherds Military Precision

The East German Shepherd has an incredible amount of focus on the tasks they are assigned and perform miracles in obedience

East German Shepherds also known as DDR German Shepherds. The acronym DDR stands for the former Soviet zone of occupied Germany, known as Deutsche Demokratische Republik.

If you are looking for a hard-working dog that will search for contraband, drugs, or has capabilities that allow it to function and aid search and rescue teams, then look no further

An East German Shepherd is perfect for you.

Since East German Shepherds are bred to have high drive and energy, they retain an incredible amount of focus on the tasks they are assigned and perform miracles in obedience.

Although they have plenty of drive and a desire to work, an East German shepherd from a good working line is not hyperactive.

They are always on point 24/7 and looking to get involved in the next task.

A well-bred Shepherd from this bloodline should also have a stable temperament, great disposition, and know ways to relax.

East German Shepherds rarely make suitable pets, and I strongly recommend against trying to own one as a family companion.

While any dog is trainable, they require a deep level of professional handling and training and are solely bred for protection and work.

Remember, German Shepherds are one of the most powerful dogs in the world, and there is no margin of error when it comes to handling one.

Also Check: Arizona Shih Tzu And Small Breed Rescue

Nutritional Tips For German Shepherd

A few dietary supplements might be considered for your German Shepherd.

Joint Supplements

Glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM supplements are great to promote joint health. MSM has all-natural anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3 fatty acids are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties as well when given at appropriate doses.

Research shows that reducing inflammation helps to control pain associated with osteoarthritis, which is a common problem in dogs with joint issues.

Probiotics

Probiotics such as Purina Calming Care can be helpful not just for digestive issues, but with minor behavioral issues as well. Digestive enzymes come in powdered form to assist dogs who have pancreatic issues, such as German Shepherds with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

Other vitamin and mineral supplements are generally not needed for healthy puppies and adults, as they get all they need from their AAFCO-approved diet daily.

Major Bloodlines Of The German Shepherd Dog

Posted December 31, 2019byDog Trainer College

There is probably more variety among the various bloodlines of the German Shepherd Dog than any other breed. There are obvious differences in body structure and aesthetics. But the largest difference is the temperament.

Some will disagree with the following statements and thats ok. The article is an attempt to give insight for those who are seriously interested in the German Shepherd. It is written by a 30-year student of the breed who has bred and trained GSDs for nearly that long as well. As with most any breed, breeding is everything. The dogs pedigree shapes the dog. So heres a frank look at some bloodlines within the breed. Yes, there are good breeders and good dogs within each bloodline.

AmericanLine

Shepherds from Americanbreeding are typically taller and longer than those from Germany. Although there is a breed standard from theparent club, there is little-to-no oversight as what dogs can be bred. As long as they are fully registered, theycan breed. Few American GSDs meet theAmerican standard, especially the temperament section. As a result, the almighty dollar and the showring has created a German Shepherd that is different from those in the restof the world . Health problems plaque these bloodlines aswell, more so than quality European lines. The American shepherd is not required to pass a temperament test, anykind of endurance testing, and is not required to be free of dysplasia.

WestGerman Show Line

Don’t Miss: Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Cake Recipe

Foster A Healthy Environment

One of the keys to successful German Shepherd breeding is that your Dam is as healthy as can be. Is your German Shepherd eating a quality diet? Are you keeping up with veterinary health checks and vaccinations? Are they getting enough exercise? A high-quality diet and daily exercise are crucial to ensure she is in good condition to whelp.

Are German Shepherds Prone To Hip Dysplasia

Unfortunately, yes. This beautiful breed is prone to hip dysplasia with around 20% of evaluated dogs showing signs of it.

If you are looking into buying a German Shepherd puppy, the first thing you need to do is check to see if the breeders certified the hips of the parents. This is because hip dysplasia is genetic. If the breeders dont certify their dogs hips, stay far away from them.

Hip certification involves having specialized x-rays taken of your dogs hips after the age of 2 to look for early signs of hip dysplasia. Although a clean x-ray doesnt guarantee that a dog wont develop this condition, it does mean that they probably dont have the hip dysplasia genes.

With nearly 1 in every 5 German Shepherds developing hip dysplasia, it seems like there would be more people working to end it. However, there is one huge reason that this condition continues to be so prevalent in this breed: money.

People that see the popularity of this breed recognize it as an opportunity to cash in. They have no desire to improve the breed and so they dont practice good breeding habits.

Here are some of the things these breeders do that perpetuate hip dysplasia in German Shepherds:

• Dont check hips of breeding stock at all
• Breed dogs that are younger than 2 years so their condition is unknown
• Knowingly breed dogs with bad hips because theyre beautiful

Recommended Reading: Purina Smartblend Large Breed Puppy

Creating An Entertainment Schedule

To make it easier on you and your GSD, use a simple schedule for activities to reduce boredom.

All of the ideas described above will help your German Shepherd keep busy. However, the more consistent you are the better the results youll see with your dogs behaviors. Try to schedule at least one entertaining activity per day to start.

Get creative!

The more ideas you have scheduled the more likely your dog will have a great workweek and keep entertained and happy. Set yourself and your GSD up for success by always keeping your interactions with your dog positive and happy.

Heres an example of a busy entertainment schedule for a German Shepherd .

Types Of German Shepherd: Dwarf Or Miniature

Much has been debated in this type of dog. They are known as the mini German Shepherd since their size is small and they are similar to a puppy throughout their life. It is not an animal that reproduces since the reason for its dwarfism is caused by thyroid disorders and other pathologies. Despite this, they are playful, obedient and very loyal animals.

Also Check: Nothing Bundt Cakes Edmond Ok

Have Any Questions About Health In Your Breed

If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email

Study Highlights Potential Health Consequences Of Selectively Breeding German Shepherd Dogs

German Shepherd Dogs could be predisposed to health conditions such as arthritis because of the way they have been bred in recent decades, according to a new study published in the open access journal Canine Genetics and Epidemiology.

Data from nearly half a million dogs collected across 430 veterinary clinics in the UK, via the VetCompass Programme at the Royal Veterinary College, reveals that GSDs are most likely to die from complications arising from musculoskeletal disorders or the inability to stand . A total of 263 specific disorder types were recorded in German Shepherds, the most common of which were inflammation of the ear canal , osteoarthritis , diarrhoea , overweight and obesity , and aggression .

Dr Dan ONeill, lead author from the Royal Veterinary College, said: German Shepherd Dogs have previously been reported to have the second highest number of health disorders exacerbated by breeding traits, with Great Danes occupying first place. It has been reported that German Shepherds are predisposed to conditions such as abnormal formation of the hip joint, cancer and degenerative spinal disorders, but the extent to which these conditions are prevalent in the population are unclear. However, by looking at primary care data from veterinary clinics, we are able to get a much better picture of the real priority conditions affecting this breed and this will help inform clinical practice in the future.

-ENDS-

Read Also: What’s In Shepherd’s Pie

Types Of German Shepherd By Origin

Another way to classify this breed is by paying attention to its origin. This form includes specifications about the role that the dog should play.

1. American Show Line German Shepherd

They are bred in North America primarily to appear in dog competitions. They are characterized by having a proportionate and muscular body, with hard and rough fur. If we compare this type with the European varieties, they are usually taller.

As this classification only depends on the place of origin , the color can vary among all those that the German Shepherd presents: sable, black, white or bicolor.

The personality of this German Shepherd is laid back. In this way, they are perfect to fulfill the role of a companion dog. They stand out for being agile and playful, and they love spending time with their owners.

2. West German Show Line German Shepherd

This variety tends to attract more attention at first glance, since breeders are concerned with obtaining proportionate dogs that meet all the characteristics required by the breed standards. Thus, they stand out for their beauty and good character.

3. East German Working Line German Shepherd

These working dogs are characterized by being intelligent and intuitive. For this reason, they are trained to handle stressful situations. Although they are so professionally dedicated, as pets they are calm, loyal and protective .

4. West German Working Line German Shepherd

5. Czech Working Line German Shepherd

How A Dog Registration Identifies A Purebred German Shepherd

A German Shepherd registration certificate only goes back one generation and will only show the parents names and breed, among other details. That should tell you if both parents of your German Shepherd were of the same breed or not.

However, the information given to a dog registry is self-reported by the owner or breeder. The registry does not do background research to confirm the details but instead relies on the honesty of the breeder or owner.

Nonetheless, a German Shepherd with a registration certificate that records parents of the same breed, implying that it is purebred, has a higher probability of being an original than one thats not registered.

When determining if your German Shepherd is an original, you might want to combine assessing the dogs registration certificate with some of the methods discussed earlier.

Read Also: Nothing Bundt Cakes Discount Code

Can Male Dogs Go Into Heat

No, male dogs cannot go into heat.

They may, however, display signs the resemble a female in heat.

Most of the time this is a response to nearby female dogs in heat. He simply cant help himself, being attracted to all of those cute females around him. Being who he is, he will likely display his natural sexual instincts, making him harder to control than normal.

Sometimes, though, there can be physical signs, such as bleeding. In this case, he should be taken to the local veterinarian.

Read Also: How To Make The Best Sweet Potato Pie

Why Do Purebred German Shepherds Cost A Lot

There are a lot of things that go into the cost of a German Shepherd. The costs listed below do not include the cost of raising and caring for the Dam . Caring for a mother dog can cost about $1,500 a year. If she is actively going to shows, the cost goes up to about $3,500 a year.

Breeding Costs

There are a couple of costs related to breeding. The most obvious is the stud fee. A breeder will pay up to and beyond the $1,000 stud fee. About 40% of matings are successful. This means the breeder may have to try more than once.

There are also medical costs related to breeding. These costs include health screenings and any medical costs related to injury during mating. Health screenings cost about $500. Medical costs due to injury can vary.

Whelping Supplies are another cost. They are around $100+ for the whelping box, blankets, and other supplies needed to provide a safe and comfortable place for the Dam to have her puppies.

Costs of Raising the Puppies

Breeders also spend a lot of money on puppies when they are young. Puppies stay with their mom and breeder until they are seven to nine weeks old.

Breeders have to pay to have the puppies registered. Registration fees are about $25 plus an additional $2 for each puppy. Puppy litters can be anywhere from one to twelve puppies. Meaning a breeder can pay up to and, possibly beyond, $50 just to register the birth.

Puppies will also need their own crates once they are big enough. A Puppy crate can cost $50-$100.

Medical Costs

Also Check: Aluminum Pie Jaws For Lathe