German Shepherds
And what you need to know...
Thank you for considering one of our puppies to be part of your family! We know you'll love and cherish them just like we do. We want to make sure though that you know all things German Shepherd, especially ours. This is for everyone: whether this is your first time having a dog or have had Shepherds for many years. We ourselves continue to learn about them, and we have been raising them for over 50 years!
Show Line vs. Working Line
Here at ShadyOak Long Coat German Shepherds, we breed top quality West German Show Line German Shepherds. You may be wondering what the difference is between this and a working line, or may not even realize there was a difference. These two lines differ in appearance, temperament, and intended use.
Show Line German Shepherds tend to have more angular hindquarters. Colors can be more black & tan, black & red, and sable. Show lines are bred typically to have a lower work drive, a balanced/calm temperament (ideal for a family pet), and intelligence. Show lines can still be powerful and need training. They are instinctively loyal and protective of their families. Show lines can earn their Shutzhound title(s) as well (our boy Koda has). While the show lines are bred for a calmer temperament, that does not mean they do not need training; they still need their handler/owner to be their leader and guide their behavior.
Working Line German Shepherds are typically smaller but thicker in stature. Their shoulders and hindquarters are about the same height. They can come in various medium length coats, and can be sable, pure black, or other colors . Working lines tend to be bred for a higher work drive, strength/confidence, balanced temperament, and intelligence. This line has more of a "prey drive", meaning that they will have a much higher, laser-like focus on objects that move. When they are trained in law enforcement and in Schutzhound, they can have a powerful bite and solid grip.
Both lines are amazing dogs, but both still require mental and physical training/stimulation. No matter which line you get, you have to be mindful of the time it will take to train your dog and what you are bringing into your home.
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Want to learn more? Below is a link to learn more about the differences.
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Coat Management
When owning a German Shepherd, it's important to know how to manage their coats. Below we cover brushing and washing and debunk some myths.
Coat
Despite what you may think, the amount of shedding that happens with GSD is not different between long, short, or plush coat. German Shepherds should have an under coat to keep them well insulated in the cold weather, and an outer coat to protect them against other elements.
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A healthy diet contributes to a healthy coat. DO NOT cut or shave a GSDs coat. Their coat keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter, and if you shave their coat, it becomes difficult for the undercoat to grow back properly.
Washing
German Shepherds have natural oils in their fur. Over-bathing can strip them of these oils, which can leave their fur dry and lead to skin issues. So unless the dog is absolutely filthy, you really only need to bath a GSD once or twice a year.
Brushing
GSDs shed. Nothing will stop that. So a good brush and vacuum are essential. However, brushing your GSD every other day will keep your home from having balls of fur everywhere compared to just strands of fur. Brushing regularly also improves coat health, reduces shedding, prevents matts/tangling, creates a bond between pet and owner, and gives you the chance to look closely at your dog's skin to detect any potential skin issues early on.
GSDs blow coat twice a year (for a female, it indicates they'll go into heat soon). "Blowing coat" is when they lose their thick undercoat in large amounts to adapt to seasonal changes. This can last up to three weeks, and can be intimidating. You may want to get a quality de-shedding tool to help reach that undercoat because the fur will fall out in large clumps. And do the brushing outside, because the amount that will come out in just 5-10 minutes is intense!
Hip Care with Your Puppy
Hip Dysplasia is common in large breed dogs such as German Shepherds, Great Danes, Labrador Retrievers, and Saint Bernards but can also be seen in some smaller breeds like Spaniels and Pugs. It is important to understand how nature vs. nurture comes into play when it comes to taking care of a dog's hips because both play extremely vital roles.
What is Hip Dysplasia?
Hips are made up of a ball and a socket. Hip Dysplasia occurs when the ball does not fit properly in the socket. This can be caused by a abnormally developed hip joint or from a traumatic injury. To the right is an example of what severe hip dysplasia can look like. Hip Dysplasia is compiled of multiple factors, so to try to pinpoint what may have caused hip dysplasia in a dog is not that simple.
Genetic Factor
Environmental Factor
Genetics do play a role in hip dysplasia. Specific genes have been found in German Shepherds that have shown some correlation with hip dysplasia being hereditary. That is why it is important to consider the parents' hips when breeding. However, just because both parents have excellent hip ratings does not mean that all of their puppies will have excellent hips. Studies show that even if both parents have been rated with good hips by the OFA, 20-25% puppies may still develop hip dysplasia. Genetic factors contributing to hip dysplasia have shown to be between 15-40% of the time. It is still extremely important to be mindful of the genetic impact that hip dysplasia does have and to try to reduce those odds as much as possible.
Signs
Some common signs that your dog may have hip dysplasia include the following:
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Decreased activity
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decreased range of motion
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Difficulty/reluctance rising, jumping, climbing, or running stairs
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Lameness in the hind end
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Swaying, "bunny hopping" gait
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Grating in the joint during movement
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Loss of thigh muscle mass
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Noticeable enlargement of the shoulder muscles, as they compensate for their hind end
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Pain
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Stiffness/limping
OHA Hip Examples
Knowing how to manage the environment around your puppy/dog is just as important as genetics. You cannot rely on both parents having good hip ratings. There are 3 major environmental factors to take into consideration to help avoid hip dysplasia: joint laxity, weight, and exercise.
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Joint Laxity: This occurs when the head of the femur does not fit well in the socket (acetabulum). This can be caused by a traumatic injury, overweight, lack of muscle strength, or bringing the legs together.
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Weight: Puppies that are born heavier and dogs that grow at a much faster rate have a higher chance of hip dysplasia. Studies have shown that dogs on a more restricted diet have a lower chance of hip dysplasia. This is where nutrition comes into play. Puppies should be fed quality puppy food and as instructed on the brand because it has all the dietary nutrition in it already. Adding supplements is not necessary and does not prevent hip dysplasia, but could cause other serious problems.
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Exercise: Exercise can be both good and bad. Puppies should be playing, but not too much. They can go on ten minute walks when they are around 8 weeks old, but that's it! Going up and down stairs frequently, jumping to get a frisbee or a ball often - these activities can contribute to the problem. Puppies shouldn't over exercise/play because their joints are much looser, and over play can lead to joint laxity. Dogs between 12-24 months old that regularly catch a ball or stick thrown by their owner have a greater risk of hip dysplasia.
What You Can Do
To help prevent hip dysplasia in your dog, you can definitely control the environmental factors. That means appropriate amount of food and appropriate amounts of exercise. Puppies may show signs of lameness around 4-6 months old, but may seem better after. This is because the damage done to that part of the hip has healed, and while they may not feel pain, the dysplasia is already set in place. Laxity can be determined as early as four months, so a PennHip or OHA hip screening is beneficial to help detect laxity in the joints.