| The German Shepherd dog is one of the most | | | | reputable breeder. |
| beloved and honored dogs in the world. Though | | | | |
| this breed is classified by the American | | | | Purebred German Shepherds have specific |
| Kennel Club (AKC) in the herding group and | | | | characteristics. They should also have |
| began as a herding dog, German Shepherds | | | | registration papers or some form of pedigree, |
| perform many other jobs today. Because of | | | | preferably from the American Kennel Club. |
| their inherent courage, work ethic, | | | | Because German Shepherds are trained in |
| intelligence, loyalty and overall | | | | various tasks and graduate from training |
| trainability, German Shepherd dogs are | | | | programs, their lineage should reflect the |
| commonly used in police work, as escorts for | | | | rankings and accomplishments of their |
| the blind, and as security for many families | | | | parents. The German Shepherd breeder should |
| and businesses. There is no better protector | | | | have his or her own kennel, and dogs should |
| than a German Shepherd. | | | | receive daily contact, grooming, socializing |
| | | | and training. |
| German Shepherds are native to Germany. The | | | | |
| first of the breed was a sheep-herding dog. | | | | Unfortunately, a German Shepherd breeder may |
| This dog, given the name Horand von Grafath, | | | | attempt to sell faulty German Shepherds. Make |
| became the first German Shepherd registered | | | | sure you obtain a complete copy of your |
| in the German Shepherd Dog Club of Germany in | | | | German Shepherd's medical records including |
| 1899. The breed was registered with the AKC | | | | health history, immunization records, results |
| in 1911. | | | | of blood tests, and any other relevant health |
| | | | information. This breed is prone to hip |
| German Shepherd breeders are common in North | | | | problems and a reputable German Shepherd |
| America due to the high demand not only for | | | | breeder will give you some form of warranty |
| purebred German Shepherds, but for Shepherds | | | | or guarantee that your German Shepherd has |
| with specific training. A German Shepherd | | | | been evaluated. |
| breeder may specialize in training this breed | | | | |
| for the visually impaired, for the police, | | | | Now that you know basic German Shepherd |
| and for use in tracking and protection. The | | | | traits and medical conditions, how to care |
| Germans have a special training program for | | | | for your Shepherd, what to look for in a |
| Shepherds to become "Schutzhunds," or | | | | German Shepherd breeder, and what purpose you |
| protection dogs. | | | | will utilize your Shepherd for, it is time to |
| | | | find the perfect German Shepherd. Though many |
| There are a few precautions any potential | | | | buyers want a purebred puppy, buying a |
| German Shepherd buyer should take before | | | | purebred adult dog can be a good alternative. |
| making a purchase of a purebred German | | | | Adults are already trained, housebroken and |
| Shepherd dog. First, know what you are | | | | socialized. Also, there are many adult German |
| looking for. Second, know what purpose you | | | | Shepherds who are far less likely to find |
| plan to utilize the German Shepherd for. | | | | homes than the adorable puppies sold by |
| Third, know what it takes to care for a | | | | breeders. |
| German Shepherd. Fourth, know where to find a | | | | |