WELCOME TO THE
ADVICE ON BUYING A PUPPY
There are approximately 12000 German Shepherds registered with the Kennel Club last year. The fact that they are registered is no guarantee to buying a good healthy dog.
Many breeders use the schemes that are available to promote the well being of the German Shepherd but alas many do not.
Hip scoring (BVA/KC scheme)
This scheme is voluntary and available to all dog breeders
When purchasing a puppy you should be asking the breeder are the parents x-rayed and hip scored and if so what is the score. Scores range from 0-106, 53 maximum per side.
The lower the score the better the hips, but as a broad generalisation below 20 (total) is advisable. Some breeders will use bitches scored moderately above this if put to a dog with a lower hip score this is the choice of the breeder.
German `a` stamp.
This is the German equivalent of the hip scoring scheme and comes in three acceptable grades `a` normal, `a` fast normal, and noch zuglassen. All three are acceptable to breed from.
All German bred dogs must have one of these grades otherwise they cannot be used for breeding.
NB Under the control of the SV affiliated to the German Kennel Club their system is mandatory but under the English Kennel club the system is voluntary.
Haemophila testing
All males that are used at stud should be screened for haemophilia. This is not a major problem in our breed but this is due to the fact that breeders recognised this about fifteen years ago when certain bloodlines seemed to be responsible. Now as a matter of course many breeders test although they know it is impossible for their stud dog to be affected.
Epilepsy
Some old bloodlines still carry epilepsy. When purchasing a puppy ask the breeder if they are aware of this problem within the dogs pedigree.
DNA testing
This is a relatively new concept, when buying a puppy you only have the breeders word that what you see before you is the mother and father, now with DNA testing proof is available.
All German bred dogs must now be DNA tested.
Elbows
Again another new concept where the elbows are x-rayed and scored. This is still in its infancy in this country and most still have to adapt to this idea.
All German bred dogs must now have their elbows x-rayed
Date of purchase
On the day you buy your puppy, he/she should come with advice on feeding socialisation and training. The food the puppy has been reared on should also be available to you and must have been wormed at least once within the first 8 week. Six weeks free insurance is generally given by reputable breeders, if you wish to continue this after that period then it is your choice. Identification is usually done via the tattoo system in the puppies right ear.
There are approximately 12000 German Shepherds registered with the Kennel Club last year. The fact that they are registered is no guarantee to buying a good healthy dog.
Many breeders use the schemes that are available to promote the well being of the German Shepherd but alas many do not.
Hip scoring (BVA/KC scheme)
This scheme is voluntary and available to all dog breeders
When purchasing a puppy you should be asking the breeder are the parents x-rayed and hip scored and if so what is the score. Scores range from 0-106, 53 maximum per side.
The lower the score the better the hips, but as a broad generalisation below 20 (total) is advisable. Some breeders will use bitches scored moderately above this if put to a dog with a lower hip score this is the choice of the breeder.
German `a` stamp.
This is the German equivalent of the hip scoring scheme and comes in three acceptable grades `a` normal, `a` fast normal, and noch zuglassen. All three are acceptable to breed from.
All German bred dogs must have one of these grades otherwise they cannot be used for breeding.
NB Under the control of the SV affiliated to the German Kennel Club their system is mandatory but under the English Kennel club the system is voluntary.
Haemophila testing
All males that are used at stud should be screened for haemophilia. This is not a major problem in our breed but this is due to the fact that breeders recognised this about fifteen years ago when certain bloodlines seemed to be responsible. Now as a matter of course many breeders test although they know it is impossible for their stud dog to be affected.
Epilepsy
Some old bloodlines still carry epilepsy. When purchasing a puppy ask the breeder if they are aware of this problem within the dogs pedigree.
DNA testing
This is a relatively new concept, when buying a puppy you only have the breeders word that what you see before you is the mother and father, now with DNA testing proof is available.
All German bred dogs must now be DNA tested.
Elbows
Again another new concept where the elbows are x-rayed and scored. This is still in its infancy in this country and most still have to adapt to this idea.
All German bred dogs must now have their elbows x-rayed
Date of purchase
On the day you buy your puppy, he/she should come with advice on feeding socialisation and training. The food the puppy has been reared on should also be available to you and must have been wormed at least once within the first 8 week. Six weeks free insurance is generally given by reputable breeders, if you wish to continue this after that period then it is your choice. Identification is usually done via the tattoo system in the puppies right ear.
Advice on buying a puppy