German Shepherd Dog

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Simonlondon40

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Hello, im looking into getting a German Shepherd likely a male. I am researching about them i would appreciate any advice before committing to get a Dog. Im in yorkshire area of UK. Regards Simon.
 
You're probably best contacting one of the main breed clubs (BAGSD and GSDL) and asking for a recommendation of breeders in your area with a few basic requirements, or check out their lists of events and go along to a show or trial and see what type of dog you prefer.
Insist on seeing proof of generational health tests (not just the sire and dam) and any working qualifications if that's what you are interested in, most breeders will be happy to supply this information and these days pretty much everything in terms of health results and performance record is available on databases. If a breeder is not happy to supply this information, then walk away. Try not to just fall in love with a cute puppy, all puppies are cute, if you want the best chance of a healthy, sound, stable dog to live with you into double figures, you are perfectly within your rights not to purchase from the first litter you see.

Reading/paper research is good but you will also want a bit of practical experience (going to events and meeting lots of dogs) and being able to read a pedigree and knowing what to watch out for. I know someone who thought they'd done 'loads of research' and ended up buying a puppy who's parents were half siblings....there are a lot of sales pitches out there 'big bones/straight backed' that don't actually mean the dog is any healthier and does not mean it isn't backyard bred, or my favourite, 'DDR', which is a nonsense as the DDR ended nearly 40 years ago. I would urge caution against any breeder who boasts about how big and heavy their dogs are, they are not a giant breed.
 
Last edited:
CorvusCorax said:
You're probably best contacting one of the main breed clubs (BAGSD and GSDL) and asking for a recommendation of breeders in your area with a few basic requirements, or check out their lists of events and go along to a show or trial and see what type of dog you prefer.
Insist on seeing proof of generational health tests (not just the sire and dam) and any working qualifications if that's what you are interested in, most breeders will be happy to supply this information and these days pretty much everything in terms of health results and performance record is available on databases. If a breeder is not happy to supply this information, then walk away. Try not to just fall in love with a cute puppy, all puppies are cute, if you want the best chance of a healthy, sound, stable dog to live with you into double figures, you are perfectly within your rights not to purchase from the first litter you see.

Reading/paper research is good but you will also want a bit of practical experience (going to events and meeting lots of dogs) and being able to read a pedigree and knowing what to watch out for. I know someone who thought they'd done 'loads of research' and ended up buying a puppy who's parents were half siblings....there are a lot of sales pitches out there 'big bones/straight backed' that don't actually mean the dog is any healthier and does not mean it isn't backyard bred, or my favourite, 'DDR', which is a nonsense as the DDR ended nearly 40 years ago. I would urge caution against any breeder who boasts about how big and heavy their dogs are, they are not a giant breed.
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Thanks
 
CorvusCorax said:
You're probably best contacting one of the main breed clubs (BAGSD and GSDL) and asking for a recommendation of breeders in your area with a few basic requirements, or check out their lists of events and go along to a show or trial and see what type of dog you prefer.
Insist on seeing proof of generational health tests (not just the sire and dam) and any working qualifications if that's what you are interested in, most breeders will be happy to supply this information and these days pretty much everything in terms of health results and performance record is available on databases. If a breeder is not happy to supply this information, then walk away. Try not to just fall in love with a cute puppy, all puppies are cute, if you want the best chance of a healthy, sound, stable dog to live with you into double figures, you are perfectly within your rights not to purchase from the first litter you see.

Reading/paper research is good but you will also want a bit of practical experience (going to events and meeting lots of dogs) and being able to read a pedigree and knowing what to watch out for. I know someone who thought they'd done 'loads of research' and ended up buying a puppy who's parents were half siblings....there are a lot of sales pitches out there 'big bones/straight backed' that don't actually mean the dog is any healthier and does not mean it isn't backyard bred, or my favourite, 'DDR', which is a nonsense as the DDR ended nearly 40 years ago. I would urge caution against any breeder who boasts about how big and heavy their dogs are, they are not a giant breed.
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Yes that is a good suggestion i will look for event to attend (didnt realise you could)
 
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