German Shepherd Breeders: Where To Find Them
The first German Shepherd was named Hektor. Hektor was thought to be an excellent example of a sheep herding dog and in 1899 a German named Rittmeister Max von Stephanitz renamed Hektor, Horand von Grafath, and registered him as the first German Shepherd in the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany. Von Stephanitz brought the breed back into popularity so much that approximately 48,000 German Shepherds were “enlisted” in World War I.
The German Shepherd breed is registered in the herding group by the American Kennel Club because of its skill in sheep herding. However, German Shepherd dogs are used for many other purposes today. They are the most common dogs used by police and military for protection and tracking and by the visually impaired as guides. German shepherds are highly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and are at their best when put to work. They can be trained to do multiple tasks. Of course, German Shepherds are also excellent family dogs especially for protection and home security. A German Shepherd breeder may specialize in training this breed in any of the above areas.
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.
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.
Unfortunately, a German Shepherd breeder may attempt to sell faulty German Shepherds. Make sure you obtain a complete copy of your German Shepherd’s medical records including health history, immunization records, results of blood tests, and any other relevant health information. This breed is prone to hip problems and a reputable German Shepherd breeder will give you some form of warranty or guarantee that your German Shepherd has been evaluated.
An alternative to buying a purebred puppy from a German Shepherd breeder is buying from a rescue center. Rescue centers save purebred dogs from abuse and abandonment. The centers socialize rescues and foster or adopt dogs out to appropriate, loving owners. Rescue centers are often either run by or affiliated with reputable breeders. A sure-fire way to tell a good breeder from bad is to see how involved they are with their dogs. Good German Shepherd breeders love German Shepherds!
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.