Shepherds

[Dani]

I've always liked German Shepherds: the well-raised, well-bred ones are amazing. However, as mentioned plenty of times on this board, there are many that are plagued with health problems, particularly with their hips. And, generally, show lines are no exception.

So, where is the best place to get a German Shepherd? A farm that raises even-tempered, health-screened German Shepherds? That's where my German Shepherd puppyfrom about 12 years ago came from.

We're not planning on getting another dog lol, it was just a recent thought I had.

[neapolitanpitbull]

My friend had a GSD named Max once. A lady had starved him, one more day and he would have been dead. I went with them to save him from her and he could barely walk. Poor guy. They are very sweet, though. And they shed A LOT. Definetly not right for a person with allergies. Max, the GSD my friend had owned at one time went to a new home because her dad was having trouble with him because her dad had allergies and now the new 'owner' wants to get rid of him again because she apparently cant control him that was one of the things they asked her if she could do when they were asking her about how she lived and stuff! grrr. Poor dog. You have to do tons of research and make sure you find a good reputabale better. Yes, a farm that raises even tempered, health screened pups. Visit and check out their dogs, view the pedigree, papers, and health certificates for their dogs. Also check out where they live. Where you get your dog is important. Oh, and yes they are definetly prone to hip problems, Max had slight hip problems too.

[Road dog]

Don't rule out adopting a dog from a local breed rescue group. My Dakota is a rescue and she is the sweetest, most gentle dog I have ever known. I adopted her at the age of six months and immidiately started her on a glucosamine suppliment, and exercising her every day (the ammount and nature of the exercise is relitive to your dogs level of development. Growing puppies who's joints aren't fully formed need to take it easier than full grown dogs.) The vet says her hips are great, partly because I got an early start on building her up.

Granted, many rescue dogs come with a troubled past and have deamons that need to be overcome, but they can in many cases make the most affectionate pets because they recognize you as their saviour. Here are a couple pics of my girl.

[Laurelin]

I had a shepherd x growing up. Wonderful wonderful dog. His name was Shack. I wish I had some pictures of him scanned. Maybe I can find some soon when I get back home to show everyone. Unfortunately he had to be put down after two hip surgeries due to HD. It's so common in the breed.

[Dani]

Hip problems are much too common in the breed It's unfortunate, and infuriating.

Road Dog, Dakota looks like such a sweet girl

Oh yes, I forgot to mention rescue lol.

[Renee750il]

I've loved GSDs since I can remember . . . but, I don't know that I'd get one from a modern breeder. Probably the only way other than rescue I'd consider would be if I could find an old farmer who had been breeding his own farm dogs from his own lines. If I could find that, I wouldn't be too worried about the testing. I'd be looking for one that was the right size - by the old standards, not the huge dogs we see now, somewhere around 60-70 pounds. None of the modern sloping hindquarters. Just a good, solid big butt with a bouncy step and an even run.

My first was like that, and he was a marvel. Lived to be 16, never had any health problems at all, wonderful temperament, superb guardian, a joy to live with. Bimmer is very similar to him, but is a mix. Bear was an excellent Shepherd, too, but he was a GSD/Akita mix.

GSD's rank 39th for hip dsyplasia, at 19% of those screened by the OFA. Breeds ahead of them, most French and English bulldogs, mastiffs, chows, golden retrievers, Chesapekes, Cane corso's, Filas, some spaniels and pugs. Obviously there are more, you can go their website and check it out.
www.offa.org

I'd say their stats are the most realistic of all of the breeds since they are the most tested, some breeds aren't very heavily tested and have lots of good dogs that go untested and lots of bad ones too, so their scores aren't always representative of the breed IMO.

I would be looking for working line breeders that test and title their breeding stock. Do your homework, do your homework, do your homework. I can't stress this enough. There are lots of breeders that aren't what they seem when it comes to GSD's. Even if you think you found exactly what you want, keep looking and compare, evenutally you'll know what's right and what's a load of BS.

[Jynx]

I have always lived with gsd's, my dad had one as a service dog when he ws in korea, and also had them growing up, so it was natural that we always had gsd's.

I've had quite a few over the years, 4 of my own when I moved out on my own,,none of them had/have hip or elbow problems, thank goodness. my first one came from a woman who ws breeding DDR dogs (got me hooked on them)
2nd from an am line breeder (a HUGE mutant of a dog *vbg), the 3rd is a rescue I got at 12 weeks, (czech) who is now 11, with pretty bad knees, a couple of surgeries for it, but now loaded with arthritis,,my 4th, is a ddr dog, who will be 10 on 12/26,,his only health issue was a blown anal gland a couple years ago. I've been very very lucky to have had some wonderful dogs thus far, with minimal health problems.

Diane

[Dani]

Good thoughts! Thanks everyone.

[Red_ACD_for_me]

Personally, I would go for a dog outside the US such as a GSD with Chekz or German lines. I am not a fan of the American bred Shepards that you see in the AKC show ring. I think there back ends look deformed IMO. There are some great breeders right her in the US however that breed these chekz and German lines. Most K-9 dogs for police work are imported in from outside the US because of the better quality of there dogs.