Welcome to the
German Shepherd Dog Club of Canada Inc.
More Topics
Guide to finding a Reputable Breeder
A few key points to helping find a reputable breeder
Why Choose Purebred?
Outlilnes the advantages of chosing a purbred dog
How do I know I am buying a Purebred German Shepherd?
People often advertise puppies as purebred, what exactly does that mean and what should you watch for?
The Misconception Around "King Shepherds"
Breeders are often asked if they sell "King Shepherds" is this really a type of German Shepherd?
German Shepherd Breed Standard
Learn what breeders consider as the ideal standard for size, temperament and Structure of the German Shepherd
GSDCC Code of Ethics
Coat Color in the German Shepherd Dog
German Shepherds are found in a wide variety of coat colors and a few different coat types
What Does "Purebred" mean
Defined by the Canada Animal Pedigree Act, a purebred dog is a dog that has parents of the same breed that are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. One can NOT sell a dog as purebred without papers from the registry as well it is ILLEGAL in Canada to charge extra money for those papers!
If an individual claims that the puppies they are selling are purebred, you are legally entitled to a CKC Registration Certificate at no extra cost. The sale of purebred dogs is governed by the federal Animal Pedigree Act (APA). Selling a puppy without papers automatically makes it non-purebred.
If a certificate of registration is NOT provided by the seller within six months of the date of sale, the buyer can lay an Information Charge against the seller for violation of the APA. Article 64. (h) of the APA states: "No person shall offer to sell, contract to sell or sell, as a purebred of a breed, any animal that is not registered or eligible to be registered as a purebred by the association authorized to register animals of that breed."
The penalty for violation of the APA is a fine of up to $50,000.00.
The Misconception of the "King Shepherd"
The King Shepherd is in fact not a German Shepherd at all. Often people will ask for over sized German shepherds mistakenly thinking that they are "King Shepherds".
In fact, the King Shepherd is an American Rare Breed dog created by two American dog breeders Shelly Watts-Cross, and David Turkheimer. This large breed was developed by crossing the Shiloh Shepherd (American and European German Shepherd Dogs and Alaskan Malamutes), additional American-bred German Shepherd Dogs and the Great Pyrenees. An organized dog breed club was started in 1995.
The King Shepherd is indeed a large breed. According to the American Rare Breeds Association males stand at over 29 inches (74 cm) tall and should have an ideal weight of 130 to 150 pounds (59 to 68 kg) pounds while females are 27 inches (69 cm) tall and ideally 90 to 110 pounds (41 to 50 kg).
Coat Color and Type in the German Shepherd Dog
In accordance with the German Shepherd Dog breed standard, German Shepherds come in many different colors, and coat patterns. Generally speaking, strong, rich colors are to be preferred, with definite pigmentation, and without appearance of a washed-out color. The color white is however considered to be a disqualifying characteristic while both Liver (brown) and Blue are considered to be undesirable.
Learn more about coat color and patterns. Charts from Dogs for Defense K-9 Illustrate the various colors and coat patterns:
Coat Type:
In accordance with the German Shepherd Breed Standard, the Shepherd is normally a dog with a double coat, the amount of undercoat varying with the season of the year and the proportion of the time the dog spends out of doors. It should, however, always be present to a sufficient degree to keep out water, to insulate against temperature extremes, and as a protection against insects.
The outer coat should be as dense as possible, hair straight, harsh and lying close to the body. A slightly wavy outer coat, often of wiry texture, is equally permissible. The head, including the inner ear, foreface, and legs and paws are covered with short hair, and the neck with longer and thicker hair. The rear of forelegs and hind legs has somewhat longer hair extending to the pastern and hock respectively. Faults in coat include complete lack of any undercoat, soft, silky or too long outer coat and curly or open coat.
The Golden Rules: Finding a Reputable Breeder
-
Always visit the kennel or home.
-
Make certain the dam (mother) is on the premises and available for you to see.
-
Ask to see health certificates and records of visits to the veterinarian.
-
Insist upon being provided with a signed bill of sale stating the puppy is being sold as a purebred.
-
Insist upon being provided with a written guarantee.
-
Confirm that the dog has been permanently and uniquely identified with tattoo or microchip.
-
Confirm CKC registration of the parents, the litter and the puppy you are about to purchase.
-
Ask if the breeder is a member of the CKC.
Why Purebred?
One advantage of purebred dogs is that the qualities of each generation (size, coat, temperament) are passed on to the next.
Purebred dogs are sold through various channels but the only source we recommend is from a knowledgeable breeder who specializes in your breed of choice. Visit a number of breeders and compare the dogs, the facilities and the breeders. Make your final purchase from someone you are comfortable with and who you feel you can trust beyond the day of purchase to be as concerned about your puppy's future as you are.