german shepherd hips?

Question

I'm going to start looking at german shepherd pups, any advice on questions to ask the breeder, or things to look for in an ofa rateing, to prevent HD

Answer 1

Ask for OFA results of both parents. Any dog can get an OFA "certificate", ask them what the result was. Many breeders sell their pups and claim parents have OFA certificates, but that doesn't mean anything if the certificate says poor hips! There is also OFA for shoulders, as there is something called OCD (Osteochondrosis Dissecans) that commonly afffects shoulders of GSD. Your breeder may have that available as well.

Recent German descent is also a good idea. German breed standards seek a more healthy comformation, and many breeders work their dogs to demonstrate that their dogs have brains, not just looks. Look at the parents, if their hips are too low, hocks almost touching the ground: bad. That may be good in the show ring, but honestly, is unhealthy comformation that leads to arthritis in hips, hocks, and even the tarsal joints (unhealthy breed standards are my pet peevee, wish AKC breed clubs reviewed them for what the breed was originally designed and for what's healthy, not creating an unhealthy dog that meets crazy standards).

After getting the pup: make sure you feed the pup puppy food specially designed for large breeds. Too high proteins and caloric intake promotes quick growth, which increases chances of HD. You may also switch to adult food at 6 mos if he/she has reached a good size already. Another good idea in an HD-prone breed, is to have a JPS (Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis) surgery done at the same time as the spay/neuter. Is a preventive surgery that changes the comformation of the hip socket to help the ball of the femur stay in place. And to prevent arthritis later in life: keep your dog at a good weight, obesity increases chances of arthritis and pain. Studies have also demonstrated that glucosamine helps joints keep their lubrication.

Answer 2

Ask to see both parents and ask about the tests done on both before breeding.Were both dogs hips graded Or just one parent?You most likely will never find a hip certified as excellant.Good is acceptable.Ask how many times these 2 dogs were bred in the past.And how old the mother is.If she's 6 yrs.old and this is her 12th litter then I'd pass on the pups.I'd also pass if the mother was 2yrs old and had been bred 3 times already.
Ask about health problems in the grandparents of the litter too that the breeder may be aware of.Also make certain that there is a money back guarantee if pup is found to be unhealthy on first vet visit.
Check all the males to make certain they all have both testicles down.Check to make sure all the pups eyes are clear and noses are'nt running.And that their little gums are pink not almost white.That's a good sign of worms.
Find out about shots they've already had and how soon they'll need the next one.And if they have been vet checked or has the breeder been giving the shots on-site.
And GET A RECEIPT AND SAVE IT!!!!!
I tend to stay away from breeders who want me to sign contracts stating that I must allow them to breed the pup when they want to and get the pups.I also stay away from those who demand my pup be taken to training classes so they can run by and haul my pup to a show whenever they like.If they want to show it then they can pay for and put the time and effort into training,not me.
If the breeder limits the registration of the pup ask if there's any refund on the purchase price if you spay or neuter it.

Answer 3

Look for dogs that were imported from Europe and have a working title. Their offspring has a better chance of having better hips. The hip rating in Germany is called an A stamp. Others here have given you good info. Remember, there are no guarantees that a puppy born out of the healthiest parents in the world will also be healthy, but, it eliminates a lot of heartache later. Make sure you get a guarantee on the hips of any dog you purchase. The breeder must put it in writing that the dog will OFA at 24 months, or you get another dog. IN WRITING. Good luck to you.

Answer 4

Look for an OFA rating of "Excellent" on both the sire and dam. "Good" is OK too, but "Real" breeders won't breed anything less than Good. Make sure to study both the sire and dam's papers carefully to assess inbreeding.

Answer 5

i'm no longer accustomed on your way of scoring re the rankings you quote the following, besides the undeniable fact that of course the decrease the score, likely the further useful. besides the undeniable fact that, i might want to caution you that besides the undeniable fact that that is sturdy to have low-scoring mum and dad, that is not any absolute assure the offspring will all be a similar - and continually undergo in options the grand mum and dad ....... I have a tendency to seem extra on the grandparents, for each little thing, than the mother and dad as distinctive issues can bypass a technology. And rearing does play a section at the same time as it contains ED and HD too. maximum suitable i can advise is you bypass see the breeder, and tell him of your hopes on your new puppy. That way he should be able to grant you something that stands as sturdy a danger of being as a lot as what you opt for, as he can promote you. i might want to also advise that in case you opt for 'ensures' you purchase an older canines, perhaps with some tutor wins already. yet this may of course fee you more desirable than a puppy will. in case you could convince a breeder to section with something that sturdy!! You do stand extra danger of having your palms on a male who has had a effective start up, because many times breeders are restricted with the variety of adult males they could realistically keep of their kennel. you're able to co-own something with them ...... yet when so, GET all of it IN WRITING. in words of stud use highly.

Answer 6

yes try and get a puppy with German breeding behind it. it is more apted to not have as much chance to have hip problems

Answer 7

they re good for defending