German Shepherd info please General Chat

Thanks for that Wildmoor.

Although the German Shepherd Dog Council of Australia used to publish Malcolm Willis' reports/updates in its quarterly National Review on a regular basis, it ceased doing so quite a few years ago. I really miss his reports.

There are not only physical differences between the different types, but you will notice temperament differences also.

Temperaments can range from ones which are quite hyper-active and wired to ones which are almost sedate. It would be a very good idea to attend shows and whittle down your own personal preferences in type and personality, to ensure the best match for you.

Thanks Guys,

Some really useful info.
Still doing our research & looking into Breeders etc...

Both of my two Staffords are generally good around other dogs,Tyler more so than Meg,she can be a little firey around some dogs she takes a dislike to,but I'm sure with careful intro's she'll be fine.

We have a GSD puppy, Harry. His parents were both scored on hip and elbow joints plus eyes. For hip and elbow the best score is zero, worst is 10. Breeders in Australia also aim to Breed Survey parents, this examines their appearance, constitution, size, structure and their temperament. It also recommends any faults that may exist through breeding.
Can I just say that I had reservations when deciding what breed to purchase but will never look back. Although Harry does needs 'LOTS' of training and attention, he is my shadow, although he is supposed to protect us (husband works nights) he is frightened of his own shadow-at the moment!

I have owned GSD's for over 20 years and was also raised by the breed, they are the most loving and loyal dogs you could ever wish for. Back yard breeders aviod like the plague but a good breeder will always insure temperament is top priority. In my profile is a link to an excellent GSD forum for more advice on the breed

Is that who I think it is
Pam

Hi Michelle.

Was your puppy done under the AVA schemes or the GSDCA schemes?

I don't know what, if any, cut off point the AVA has but the GSDCA will issue an 'A' stamp for hips as long as the dog doesn't exceed 8 on either hip and providing it doesn't exceed 3 points on any of the 9 areas scored on each hip. This means it's possible to gain an 'A' stamp for a dog with a total score of 16 points. I mention this because it's slightly different to the figure given in your post.

At the moment the 'Z' stamp for elbows is given for Normal & Grade 1 & 2 but I anticipate a change to this before long.

I was interested in your comment "His parents were both scored on hip and elbow joints plus eyes." I didn't know we have an eye problem in the breed so would love some more information. The GSDCA doesn't have an eye scoring scheme so perhaps this is something the AVA are involved with. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I hope you have a lot of fun with Harry. I can't imagine a life without German Shepherds Dogs.

Harry's mum is Australian and under the GSDCA, his dad is from Germany. The eye info was incorrect sorry, all new to me. As you say life with Harry is great but we are struggling with control when he sees another dog, hopefully obedience classes will help, he isn't nasty but wants to play and barks a lot, it does look confrontational for the passer by.

German Shepherds can develop Pannus (chronic superficial keratitis) & Juvenile Cataracts

Might be Pam ;-)

Re: eyes in the UK it is recommended that breeding stock are eye tested for HC (Heriditary Cataracts), certain lines carry it and I am aware that some stock from these lines were exported to Australia.

Thanks Everyone,
The info here is fab!

We are going to start contacting Breeders in the new year and hopefully viewing parents long before a litter comes along,if they don't object.

All the best with your wild child Michelle. I find young males are generally a bit of a challenge from age 7-12 months ... but after that they seem to settle down and become easier to live with. I'm sure with patience and regular training you'll end up with a wonderful companion.

German Shepherds can develop Pannus (chronic superficial keratitis) & Juvenile Cataracts
Thanks for that JoedeeUK. I was aware of these eye conditions in the breed but probably didn't explain myself clearly when I asked Michelle for information. Because she mentioned the parents of Harry had been scored for hips, elbows and eyes, I was a bit perplexed because I knew of no eye problems in the breed here in Oz that were serious enough for the GSDCA to set up any screening scheme.

Thanks Wildmoor. Certainly nothing mentioned in any GSDCA reports published in the National Review so either it's not yet a problem here or people are keeping their own council

I am aware that some stock from these lines were exported to Australia.

Within the last 15 years?

German lines?

Any information will be sincerely appreciated.

As far as I'm aware the only problem in GSDs has been juvenile cateracts, these came in from Germany but I don't know of any recent cases. The dog I knew with them was born over 25 years ago.
The problem of pannus & plasnoma is of course current, but like many auto immune problems I don't think there is a test to show whether the dog will develop it or not as yet. Hopefully this survey on purebred dogs that the BVA are doing at present, in conjunction with the KC will help with data.

Hi some of these dogs were exported in the 70-80 I had a dog from these lines born in 1992 with Heridtary Cataracts and he was from pure English lines not Continental lines. If you want details of the lines I can email a copy of the pedigree of this dog. He was line bred on a certain well known English dog. This was why I changed to Continental lines, as the said dog also had OCD, and Bone Tumors.

Thanks for the info GSD-Sue. Perhaps you'd be kind enough to let me know the results of the BVA/KC survey when it's completed?

Hi Wildmoor.
I know of a German import who sired JLC in the UK back then but have never seen him in a pedigree of an Oz bred dog. Mind you, I'm only involved in the specialist arena so don't get to see many pedigrees of GSDs being campaigned in the all-breeds rings.

I'd certainly appreciate a copy of the pedigree of your affected dog whelped in 1992 because although that's 15 years ago, it's still a bit too close for comfort. Any info on the lines inplicated in the condition would be much appreciated.

By the way, was it your lovely pics posted on GSDWorld recently? If so, congratulations.

Hi Sue. Do you mean the KC-BSAVA survey? If so, this was completed some time ago and the results are here -

http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/549/pg_dtl_art_news/pg_hdr_art/pg_ftr_art

There is no report on the GSD so it seems the clubs didn't participate. Or is there another survey underway for the GSD?

Hi Jaimon
I have pm you my email address if you get intouch I will email pedigree, these lines also carry Epilepsy.

Yes I have posted pics on there recently from the British Sieger and the German Sieger, glad you liked them.
Pam

I' had a survey form from the league when I rejoined in September,which was from the BVA & the KC & had to be submitted by this November. It asked about health issues of current dogs & reasons for death of dogs owned within the last 10 years. There was also a section on breeding bitches & deaths of whelps etc.
Looking at those results it looks like the same survey though, what a shame not more CSD people responded. Looking I see it was all done through one club for each breed, so if I hadn't happened to decide to renew my League membership after several years of not being a member I'd not have seen the form, though I am & have always been a member of BAGSD. I think its a shame both were not aproached.