German Shepherds in NC (rottweiler, vets, breeders, black)

[catchick30]

Ok so I don't know if this should be here or in an NC thread, but here goes.
I grew up with 2 german shepherds and always said I'd get another. Well now that i am 1/2 mile off the rd in the woods with my 2 yr old....Now is the time.

So question 1..... how can i find breeders in NC? (Harnett, johnston Counties) And how do I know if they are what they say they are. I have surfed and looked at a few sites. I am not really interested in "showing". I am looking for a family pet/protector of my boys......
I have never purchased a pure bred and would like to get more info.

2nd question...... I had a "normal" size german shepherd, but a friend has a GEORGOUS, HUGH shepherd, (looks me in the eye when i sit in my car thru the window) he said it was a "german Police" .... I can't find anything on this (other then G.S trained as police dogs)......
can someone tell me what they really are called, do they have papers, are these shepherds more prone to hip dysplasia, shorter life span.
Any and all help please.... trying to do some reasearch before I go looking (I have a problem walking away empty handed )

[Toria]

I don't know where exactly you are located, but I would recommend contacting the local GSD club for information on breeders:

German Shepherd Dog Club of Greater Raleigh

There are several breeders listed there, and if they don't have anything they can probably recommend someone.

There is also this club, which focuses more on working lines than show lines (which may be closer to what your friend had):

Carolina German Shepherd Working Dog Club - Welcome to our homepage!

Good luck!

[Sam I Am]

Originally Posted by catchick30

2nd question...... I had a "normal" size german shepherd, but a friend has a GEORGOUS, HUGH shepherd, (looks me in the eye when i sit in my car thru the window) he said it was a "german Police" .... I can't find anything on this (other then G.S trained as police dogs)......
can someone tell me what they really are called, do they have papers, are these shepherds more prone to hip dysplasia, shorter life span.
Any and all help please.... trying to do some reasearch before I go looking (I have a problem walking away empty handed )

Catchick, you might be falling victim to a dog breed that doesn't exist...I'm not familiar with GSDs, but lots of folks are breeding dogs to be more than they were intended to be. I have Rottweilers - I can't tell you how many people ask if mine are German or American. There's no difference, all Rotties are of German stock. The so-called American Rottie is basically a watered down version of the original, hence the longer noses, floppier ears, longer legs and torso, etc.

There is a breed standard, which the AKC or someone can direct you to, and that's what you want to look for. Rottweilers are being bred larger than normal for the "German" blockheaded look, but if you go back far enough, unless you have a true breeder, you find they are mixed with mastiff for the larger size. A true Code of Ethics breeder is going to produce litters to further the breed standard, not to fall prey to whatever is the whim of the moment. I would be very, very hesitant to purchase a GSD that looks that much different than what you are used to seeing because they are then a combination of two breeds.

Stick with what you know - always, always see the mom and dad of the litter, and don't buy from just anyone who says their dogs are AKC papered. Back yard breeders are absolutely the worst about trying to breed something that is out of the norm, because then their dogs are "special" and they think they can command a higher price for them or something. That's not to say that some lines won't just naturally be bigger than others, but if it falls too far outside the breed standard you probably don't have a purebred.

You really want one that is historically true to size, temperament, and dispostion - otherwise you could end up with a dog that has wolf or something in the background, which introduces a whole new set of genes and proclivities. Just be very selective - you're buying for companionship and not visual aesthetics. It may take a while to find that perfect dog for you and your family, but it can be done with hard work.

[catchick30]

Thank you Sam. I too assume that this is the case as I have been surfing quite a bit and have found little to no information on them. I am set on getting a GS, and believe I won't be getting the larger type, but they are absolutely beautiful!

[dogpaw]

There is a breeder in Raleigh, I believe the name is San Fran. I don't know them personally but I have heard good things about them. Ask lots of questions. The breeder should also be asking you questions, like what are you looking for in a pup? training goals? The breeder should also be able to match you up with the right pup for you and your family. Their dogs should be titled in something, show or working titles, if not I would look for another breeder. Take your time and do your homework. Read up on what the breed standard is and go from there........Good luck!

[PudelPie]

Hey catchick30, you might also contact some local vets and see if they can recommend any breeders, or if they have names. And then of course visit any breeders to see for yourself, ask lots of questions, and ensure you feel good about the whole interaction. Good luck!

[ShepsMom]

You can always rescue one )

I have 2 GSD's, you can ask me any question you want, i'm pretty familiar with this breed.

Also good reading on the breed can be found here:

Home of the German Shepherd Dog

There is German and there is American "sides" to this breed.
True german shepherd size would be:

males: between 80-95lb
females: between 70-80lb

I found oversized GSDs are at fault and considered an "American", meaning bred to american standard (who knows that that means)

Yes, they are prone to HD and other problems, you will need to find a breeder dedicated to the "betterment" of the breed and not to make money. There is a large population of GSDs which are misbred and poor representation of beloved breed.
All police shepherds are imported from Chech or Germany, mostly because they are "working" lines and not "show" lines, which also would be considered an "american" breed.

If you're looking for protection, no GSD will do that without proper training, yes, they will bark and are very well aware of strangers. If that's what you want, then any GSD will do the job. If you feel you need more then that, which i don't believe you do, you will need special training for your dog.

Besides all that, they are beautiful, intelligent and loyal breed that makes a perfect family companion.
Good luck on your search, hope you'll get a dog that you wish for! )

[_redbird_]

Our AKC GSD female has german blood lines. The american variety has the low slung back that one sees in AKC dog shows in America.

I don't care for the American GSD, but I am not in the AKC show business. We attended quite a few AKC dog shows and it got to be really alarming for me to see these dogs running around with their butt so low. But, admittedly I am no expert!

Here is Myla Rose, our female GSD which has 3/4 german blood lines. BTW, we have one pup left.



And here below is a GSD with the low slung hind quarters. Which is even more pronounced due to the "stack" pose for show purposes.



And here is Max, our black GSD, who has the classic American blood lines. Max's grandmother was American, Canadian, and Mexico national champion. We got Max for $100. He was severely shy and timid and had not been socialized as a pup. Unfortunately, he never came out of it. But Myla came along and really helped bring him out of his shell.

[ShepsMom]

I agree with Redbird, the very low slope is a big indication of american line breeding. I can't stand that myself, i think it's such disgrace to the true breed. Some of the ones i saw were pretty painful to look at, how do they even walk?

[_redbird_]

Shepsmom, I am so glad someone else cringes when those AKC show GSD's go running around the arena like they are "low riders". It looks pathetic! We met quite a few show people in our jaunts. Dog shows are fun. That is the only place where I do not fear APBT's.

I also do not like people who breed for money. We had our breeder and her friends examine Myla with a fine toothed comb, so we could match her with another GSD to improve the breed.

Our dog is strictly a pet, and we love her to death. She is so calm and intelligent. I have really bonded with her. I hope you find the shepherd of your dreams. They bring so much happiness.