VON KARIUSTEIN GERMAN SHEPHERDS
WE SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!! SEMPER FI
WHY BUY 100% GERMAN?
Now why would you need to know that? After all, a German Shepherd is a German Shepherd!
Fact is, that could not be farther from the truth. While all German Shepherds descended from the foundation dogs as to the efforts of Capt. Max Von Stephanitz. Who, through years of dedication of combining herding dogs and working dogs, developed what was the German Shepherd dog in 1889. The breeds popularity was noticed and desired here in the United States. In 1907, eighteen years later, the first German Shepherd was brought to the States. Rather than fill an entire page with useless babble, all one has to do is simple math....
In just over 106 years, the purity of those spectacular German genes has been infused with any number of countless mutations. Many times, by well meaning breeders only wishing to improve on what was there. In today's slang, they would be called "designer dogs." 106 years of infusing what breeders thought was "in vogue" into the German Shepherd lines to produce a dog that is a mere shadow of the original dog brought to the States in 1907.
However, while those breeders thought they were improving the breed, in fact, it was being destroyed. So much so, that the process of breeding with the lack of pure German lines, has resulted in genetic abnomolies in just about every American German Shepherd today. Unscrupulous breeders seeking to "improve" their lines would simply capitalize on a stud that was named by a kennel club as a Grand Champion. That champion, because of posessing years of inbred and linebred weakened genes, would very likely pass on those weakened genes to his get. This continues to this day. American breeders are now trying to correct this by breeding their dogs with German dogs. This however, does not completely mask or rid the breed of well known defects such as hip dysplasia, and a host of other genetic problems. It is difficult to rid the breed of 106 years of well meaning, but poor breeding practices. Back yard breeders, seeking to make a quick buck, many times do not care who breeds who or what. As long as they get dogs that are similar looking to the German Shepherd. Here again, infusing poor and weakened genes into the bloodlines. Many times offering those puppies at spectacular bargain prices. And, while many of the registry organizations are dubious in their efforts, they are just that, a REGISTRY! Meaning that they only register the dog that the breeder submits. They do not monitor bloodlines in an effort to circumvent inbreeding or linebreeding! The practice of linebreeding or inbreeding results in temperament issues, being the most prevalent, regardless of breed! Among a host of other problems that are considered undesireable in the breed(s).
Of course, this would be the perfect place for the naysayers to jump in here. They would argue that their American bred German Shepherd is every bit the German Shepherd. Well, this is not 100% true. It is true in name only. While many will argue, the German's do not sell their best dogs! Again, not entirely true. The German's prize their top dogs and continually seek to improve on the best. This is done with stringent guidelines as to breeding, and what might be considered "natural selection", but with a twist. And nowhere, even in the slightest comparison, to the American German Shepherd AKC standard.
In order to be allowed to breed, simply being a German Shepherd is not the only requirement. Breeding dogs, that are allowed to be bred, are at the top of their respective game. The German club Verein fur Deutsche Schaferhunde e. V, better known as SV, makes certain that only dogs that meet a stringent criteria within a certain time frame, are allowed to breed. These dogs must obtain a rating a bit better than our American OFA certification called HD. A dog must be rated "A"1 or "A"2 to be allowed to breed. Also, the dog must pass a Korung, only after that, is the dog awarded a Kkl1. The Korklasse - Breed Survey class (Kkl1 or Kkl2). In order to be breed surveyed a dog must have a SchH, HGH or IPO title, must also have approved hips, pass an AD, and have a show rating of G or better. All of these requirements are satisfied by the dogs breeder, owner, or trainer. It is a lengthy and expensive undertaking. As would any goal set forth by someone wishing to be the best!
Here is where the dogs that do not make the cut in Germany are then sold. Of course, you can buy a 100% pure German Shepherd from someone, somewhere in Germany. But, one thing you should check is IF that puppy or dog has those all important letters after his/her name. And, not to mention a sire and or dam, that has made a name for itself. A Sieger champion!!
Naturally, any puppy or dog from Germany is going to cost a lot more then an American bred German Shepherd. However, the saying "You Get What You Pay For", applies here.
Doesn't it make more sense to buy quality? And if you are a discerning buyer, regardless of what you buy, then quality, many times, is worth the extra price. You buy anything less, then what you save by buying cheaper is spent later with upkeep costs, such as veterinary bills for a long list of ailments that may come along with your cheaper puppy. These silent but lethal genetic anomalies will end up costing you more money in the long run. Not to mention, shortening the lifespan of your dog, that you thought was a far better price than a well bred German Shepherd puppy.