How to find a good breeder of GS

[LiesDoNotBecomeUs]

I would like a German Shepherd dog and would like to bring it up.

However I really want to choose one from a reputable breeder who cares about temperament and health.

(I really don't want to encourage breeding of GSs with short back legs or joint problems. )

GSD seem to be a minefield now. You don’t say what type your looking for it what sort of home you offer which influences what you would need but personally I wouldn’t touch anything working line (very high drive, too much for the average owner IMO) or show line as those tend to be the strange looking nervy types. I would also avoid anyone that breeds for colour (Isabella, panda or blue being the main culprits) as these are not to standard and I’ve met some really dodgy ones bred for colour and not temperament.

This would leave something in the middle which is like looking for hens teeth and was the reason I couldn’t find one and probably wouldn’t look again.

Is there anyone with a stable nice GSD you can ask about lines etc? Whatever you do meet the parents and meet adults of previous litters and scrutinise for any temperament issues at all, temperament is predominantly genetic so if there’s any nervousness run away!

GSD are not the type of dog that loves everyone and everything. They are by design reserved, aloof with strangers and not usually wanting to interact with randoms (dog or human). As long as you understand that then that’s fine but they shouldn’t be of weak nerve disguised as ‘protective’ like the vast majority. Aggression is not acceptable but too many people expect socialisation will turn them into a golden retriever and end up with a nasty shock when they realise this isn’t the case.

Health wise, hip and elbow scores are a must as is DNA screening for CDRM.

Attend events where there will be GSDs so you can observe their temperament and structure. Talk to breeders, ask to see health scores only go to breeders that do all of the relevant testing for the breed.

Ask about how they raise puppies, are they in a home environment, what noises/experiences are they exposed to etc.

Thank-you both.
We are a loving and active household -well used to the need to be firm/consistant/dedicated in the training of pups. Bored dogs are bad dogs in most breed types!

Your advice is helpful ...though confims some of my concerns.
(What has happened to the breed while I've not been looking? The sloping back looks painful - and the winner at Crufts looked deformed.)

I'm going to keep looking for reliable breeders who health-check their dogs and think about the experience they offer young pups.

We have very few GSDs here.