Exploring the World of Working Line German Shepherd Breeders
German Shepherd breeders within the USA can be separated in four general categories. Some breeders are content to simply produce registered dogs. Within the United States, these breeders range from just awful, to some producing fairly decent dogs from AKC registered breeding stock—some of these even from AKC champion lines. A good argument can be made that virtually none of these dogs reasonably stack up to good pedigree working line GSD. They just don’t have the genetic consistency of dogs bred for consistent protection and obedience. The second general group would be those breeding American show line dogs. All one needs to do is compare phenotype across each decade for the last sixty to eighty years to see the changes that have occurred. American show lines have, especially in the last three decades, increasingly bred for an accentuated roach back. This change to bone structure has arguably affected health in negative ways, especially joint structure. But this is not the end of the problem, it is just the beginning. A vast majority of American GSD breeders are show breeders. They are what I call, “do I look pretty” dog breeders. Dogs are put in a show ring and judged primarily on conformation. But such a show dogs have not necessarily retained the genetic capacity to “do the job” for which they were originally bred, this being, obedience, tracking, and protection— all three aspects. While many show dogs demonstrate excellence in obedience, they often fail when it comes to tracking and protection capacity. Very similar arguments can be made against the German show lines, for similar reasons. Working line German Shepherd breeders, in contrast, constantly test their dogs against objective standards. If specific dogs or bloodlines fail to measure to minimum standards they are are excluded from breeding. Continue reading to consider how measuring against an objective standard can be so different than breeding for the show ring.
Working Line German Shepherd Breeders: Ethics and Practices
Working line German Shepherd breeders play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the integrity of the breed while ensuring that each puppy possesses the qualities and attributes necessary for success in working roles. Such decisions include a variety of decisions. These decisions can include only using stud dogs with a proven ability to breed naturally. As shocking as it might be, some dogs just don’t possess a strong breeding instinct. In the wild, these bloodlines would just die with the animals that didn’t mate well. When humans intervene and breed via artificial insemination, dogs can be bred that lack this capacity. The same goes for health. The better working line German Shepherd breeders are performing X rays on their dogs, verifying hips and joints. The same can be said for genetic testing. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM), one of the most common diseases affecting GSDs can be easily identified through inexpensive genetic testing. Ethical breeders will test their dogs for DM to ensure no puppies are DM affected. But to be fair, many backyard and show breeders do these things— or at least the better ones do. What sets the working line German Shepherd breeders apart from their backyard and show counterparts are their testing according to an objective standard. When searching for a working line German Shepherd puppy for sale, choosing a breeder that exclusively breeding the working lines. You won’t regret it!
Breeding to an Objective Standard.
Just as it matters to use stud dogs that can breed naturally— use it or lose it, so it matters that GSD only breed dogs with proven capacity to perform. Dogs need to demonstrate a proven ability to perform in all three area, obedience, tracking and protection, or they should not be bred. This is what sets apart the show breeders, the “do I look pretty” dog breeders, from the working line German Shepherd Breeders. Breeding to an objective standard where dogs are tested and demonstrate they excel in the traits for which GSD’s have been bred eliminates a ton of dogs from the breeding pool. And this is how it should be! It is only when dogs are bred to such a standard that substandard dogs are eliminated. Show dogs are not eliminated according to these objective standards. Consequently, these show lines are constantly being diluted. Pretty dogs with “nice” conformation are bred. They are pretty. They might be friendly. But many of these dogs couldn’t track their way out of a wet paper bag! Not do they demonstrate any significant degree of protection capacity. Some might, but many do not. In contrast, the better working line breeders are only selecting from dogs coming from generations of dogs where both sides of the pedigree have scored high on tests in all three areas, obedience, tracking and protection, where stud dogs breed naturally, where genetic testing shows the dogs do not carry DM. These are the kinds of practices that set apart the best working line German Shepherd breeders from show line breeders, whether American or European.
The Importance of Pedigree and Bloodlines: Ensuring Quality and Consistency
When evaluating working line German Shepherd breeders, prospective owners should pay close attention to the pedigree and bloodlines of the breeding dogs. Pedigree serves as a blueprint of a dog’s lineage, tracing its ancestry back several generations and providing valuable insights into its genetic heritage. A reputable breeder will carefully select breeding pairs based on their pedigrees, aiming to complement and improve upon desirable traits while minimizing the risk of inherited health issues. By breeding from proven lines with a history of success in working roles, breeders can increase the likelihood of producing puppies with the desired characteristics, such as high drive, trainability, and sound temperament. Prospective owners should inquire about the pedigree of the breeding dogs and research their ancestry to ensure that they come from reputable and respected lines within the working line German Shepherd community.
Health Screening and Genetic Testing: Ensuring the Well-being of Future Generations
Health screening and genetic testing are essential components of responsible breeding practices, aimed at identifying and mitigating the risk of hereditary health conditions in future generations. Reputable working line German Shepherd breeders prioritize the health and well-being of their breeding dogs and offspring, conducting thorough health screenings and genetic tests to assess for common breed-specific health issues. Tests for conditions such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and progressive retinal atrophy help breeders identify carriers and affected individuals, allowing them to make informed breeding decisions and reduce the incidence of inherited diseases in their breeding program. Prospective owners should inquire about the health screening protocols used by breeders and request documentation of health clearances for both parent dogs to ensure the long-term health and vitality of their future puppy.
Early Socialization and Environmental Exposure: Shaping Confident and Well-adjusted Puppies
Early socialization and environmental exposure play a crucial role in shaping the behavior and temperament of working line German Shepherd puppies. Reputable breeders prioritize early socialization, exposing puppies to a wide range of people, animals, sounds, and environments from a young age. Early experiences help puppies develop confidence, resilience, and adaptability, laying the foundation for well-adjusted and stable adult dogs. Breeders may incorporate various socialization techniques, such as controlled introductions, positive reinforcement, and desensitization exercises, to ensure that puppies receive a rich and diverse socialization experience. Prospective owners should inquire about the socialization practices used by breeders and request information on how they expose puppies to different stimuli and environments to promote their mental and emotional well-being.
Temperament Testing and Evaluation: Matching Puppies with Suitable Homes and Owners
Temperament testing and evaluation are essential tools used by working line German Shepherd breeders to assess the behavioral traits and suitability of individual puppies for specific homes and roles. Through structured assessments and observations, breeders can evaluate puppies’ temperament, drive, and aptitude for various working tasks, helping them make informed placement decisions and match each puppy with a suitable home and owner. Temperament testing may involve exposing puppies to different stimuli, assessing their reactions to new experiences, and evaluating their responses to handling, social interaction, and environmental challenges. By identifying each puppy’s strengths, weaknesses, and potential, breeders can ensure that they are placed in environments where they can thrive and fulfill their potential as valued companions and working partners.
Finding Excellence in Working Line German Shepherd Breeders
In conclusion, working line German Shepherd breeders play a vital role in preserving the integrity and excellence of the breed while producing puppies with the qualities and attributes necessary for success in working roles. Prospective owners should carefully research and evaluate breeders, considering factors such as ethics, practices, pedigree, health screening, socialization, and temperament testing. By selecting a reputable and responsible breeder, prospective owners can be confident that they are acquiring a healthy, well-adjusted puppy from proven working lines, setting the stage for a fulfilling and successful partnership. With diligence, patience, and a commitment to excellence, finding excellence in working line German Shepherd breeders is within reach, ensuring that each puppy finds its rightful place as a cherished companion and valued working partner in the years to come.
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