Is inbreeding permitted in the breeding of German Shepherds? Tight inbreeding is not permitted in the German Shepherd Association (SV).

How are warranty claims for the buying of dogs regulated? Even though animals do not count as things according to the German Civil Code, at the same time, the German Civil Code determines that the same regulations as are applied for things are to be applied for animals. Therefore, from a purely legal point of view, there is no difference whether one buys or sells a car, a computer, or a dog. As with all sale contracts, also buyers of dogs have the right to a dog that is free from defects. If the future dog owner wishes to breed later on or do a certain type of dog sport, the sold dog needs to be suitable for that. However, when selling a puppy, it is hardly possible to guarantee that the puppy will obtain the ability for breeding and performance. The breeders are therefore well advised to exclude the guarantee for such capabilities in their sale contracts. The legal regulations do not fit the character of the animals, which changes depending on their living conditions; therefore, the regulations present a special challenge especially for “hobby breeders” who are considered as commercial supplier and thereby as entrepreneur with their breeding kennel. That can already be the case if they regularly offer puppies and promote their puppies in club magazines or on their own website. In these cases, warranty claims cannot generally be excluded by the breeder. Generally, warranty claims for the buying of dogs are very difficult to assess. If in such a case no amicable settlement is reached, often, protracted lawsuits develop, the outcome of which always depends on the specific circumstances of the individual case and on the provability.

What should I pay attention to when buying a German Shepherd? The puppy should have a SV pedigree (also known as “SV papers”). This breed authenticity certificate ensures over generations that the descendants of the new “family member” have corresponded to the strict criteria and breeding regulations of the SV regarding health and training. Many breeders have oriented themselves in the direction „performance“ or „show ring“. It is definitely imaginable that a dog from performance and working lines established over generations shows a higher willingness to work, but connected to that also demands more exercise from its owner. The licensed breeding wardens in the SV local groups will counsel you in your search for the right breeder.

What is a pedigree / breed authenticity certificate? How far can the descent be traced back? Who guarantees the descent? The breed authenticity certificate of a dog proves its descent over 4 generations, i. e. until the generation of the great-great-grandparents of the dogs. It gives information about the quality of the listed animals, such as for example performance proves, information about color, type of hair, training, exhibition and licensing results of the ancestors and their siblings. A breed authenticity certificate is only issued by an association recognized by the FCI and VDH such as for example the SV. The breed authenticity certificate is property of the SV and the association guarantees the correctness of the data included in it.

At which age are puppies sold? A Shepherd puppy should leave its nursery and be given over to the new owner by the breeder no earlier than with 8 weeks. The puppy at this point was chipped by the veterinarian or the SV ID delegate on the left side of its neck and is now clearly identifiable with a chip-reader. The chip number is listed in the vaccination certificate and the SV pedigree. Also a blood sample has been taken and stored in a special laboratory. At any time, the sample offers the owner the possibility to have DNA evaluations realized.

What is the demand about a “pet breeding law” all about? A pet breeding law is being demanded more and more, especially by animal welfarists. Here, similar to the livestock breeding law, binding rules for breeding shall be set up and authorities / persons named who are in charge of controlling the adherence to these rules. Such regulations already exist in the VDH recognized breeding kennels. However, the pet breeding law shall regulate also breeding kennels not recognized by the FCI.

What does genotype / phenotype mean? The complete genetic endowment of a living creature is called genotype. The phenotype indicates the appearance of a dog, i. e. its actual physical and mental characteristics – independently of whether they were inherited or acquired. The phenotype is, in the end, the result of genotype and environment.

What does the inbreeding coefficient mean? The inbreeding coefficient indicates the probability to what extent genes with the same hereditary origin can appear at the same locus of the dog, respectively whether homozygosity because of the same hereditary origin of the genes is the case. The inbreeding coefficient is the bigger the closer the parents are related to each other.

Dr. Tellhelm, how do you rate the efficiency of the HD/ED procedure in the SV? Through the phenotypical breeding selection against HD effected already for many years we have succeeded in immensely reducing the frequency of HD in the population. Nevertheless, one has to be clear about two things: One, the strictly phenotypical selection, i. e. the selection of breeding partners according to their own HD evaluation, has limitations, as this evaluation is not solely influenced by genetics. Therefore, the HD evaluation does not reliably indicate the HD heredity. Two, we can only make statements about the dogs of which X-rays were sent in for evaluation. Here, unfortunately, a strict preselection is taking place, so that the frequency of HD In the total population of German Shepherds is presumably significantly higher than the official statistic shows. This communication gap regarding the actual existence of HD in the population of German Shepherds also obstructs the breeding measures. The fewer dogs with distinctive HD exist in the population, the slower the breeding progress is if the breeding partners are put together solely regarding HD evaluations, i. e. when it is selected solely phenotypically. Therefore, the SV has decided to introduce the estimation of breeding values for HD in 1999. As the estimation of breeding values also takes into consideration the information of relatives and corrects this information regarding environmental influences, “discounting” these environmental influences, breeding values give more information about the genetic endowments for HD of a dog. Based on HD breeding values, the pairs can be planned better than on the basis of the HD evaluations of the parents. However, the improvement of the HD situation was less clear than expected. One reason for this is surely the breeders holding on to the phenotype selection and a correspondingly low use of the HD breeding values for selection purposes. More essential is probably the already mentioned fact that only a part of all dogs are X-rayed and a big part of the dogs with unfortunate HD results is not brought in for evaluation. If for the breeding value estimation there is only or mainly advantageous information, genetic differences can hardly be detected and not with the necessary reliability. If more HD information was put at disposal, we would have a higher breeding value security and could select more efficiently against HD. The course of the HD frequency since 1968 was shown very impressively in graphics by the association’s breeding warden, Mr. Quoll, in the SV magazine of September 2013.

How big is the HD/ED problem with German Shepherds? Compared to other breeds in a breed ranking of HD diagnosis, where does the German Shepherd stand? According to the official statistics of the GRSK (Society for X-ray diagnostics of genetically influenced skeletal diseases of domestic animals), the frequency of HD (C/still admissible, D/medium and E/grave HD) for German Shepherds is with about 8 % in the order of magnitude as for Dobermann, is smaller than for Golden and Labrador Retrievers and Rottweilers, but higher than for Malinois, Schnauzer and Rhodesian Ridgeback. However, with all these numbers, one cannot assume that they correspond to the HD frequency in the whole population of the individual breed. The above-mentioned pre-selection when sending the X-rays in (or not) is probably not done as consequently for any other breed as it is done for the German Shepherd. Analyses of non-preselected HD X-rays of German Shepherds indicate that the HD frequency in the whole population is probably of at least 25 %. Regarding ED, the situation with an ED frequency (ED 1/still admissible, ED 2/medium, ED 3/grave ED) of about 9 % in the official statistic presents itself similarly good as for HD. And here, one can truly assume that these numbers are fairly realistic. Because of the more difficult diagnostic, a preselection is far less practiced than it is for HD. The frequency of ED is about in the order of magnitude as for Retrievers and a little lower than for example for Rottweilers. For the German Shepherd, there is a small tendency towards reducing the ED frequency. An acceleration of the breeding progress for ED selection is complicated because of the fact that under the term ED, two different diseases are summarized (isolated processus anconaeus, IPA; fragmented processus coronoideus medialis ulnae, FCP; osteochondrosis dissecans of the elbow joint, OCD) which are passed on differently. For the improvement of the breeding success, a breeding value estimation should be tested which considers the different diseases individually and weights them differently. Scientific preparatory studies regarding this have already been realized with the support of the SV.

What do you think about “warm-up and cool-down“ in dog sports? Careful preparation and post-processing of the dogs’ sport use are an absolute “must”. For sport dogs, the same principles apply as for competitive athletes. Such measures not only serve as protection against muscle injuries, but an optimally prepared muscular system can also disburden the joints better. High performances are required not only in sport, but also a long exhibition day with the numerous changing requirements should be well prepared. Of course, that is especially true for agility tournaments, during which the joints are put under high strain. Only an optimally trained and prepared musculature can reduce the risk of injuries. In protection service, I consider an attack after the long flight problematic. Apart from the strain on the cervical spine, especially hip joints and the connection spine–pelvis are highly stressed. Here, it should be considered whether the sense of this exercise cannot be achieved with less spectacular sequences which go down well with the audience, but do not endanger the dogs’ health. Exercises over the wall are surely an important part in the training of a working dog. Because of the immense stress on hip and spine (jump up) and on forehand/elbow (landing), this exercise should be reduced to an absolutely necessary minimum in training and the dogs have to be prepared correspondingly. How and to which extent “warm up and cool down” have to be done depends on the sportive use. The “whether” should not even be up to discussion.

Are there legal prerequisites for the keeping of German Shepherds? Dog-keeping is generally a matter of the federal states. There are no national legal regulations which make the keeping of a German Shepherd dependent on an official authorization. In some states, the keeping of big dogs (generally taller than 40 cm whiters height or more than 20 kg weight) has to be registered with the authority in charge. Possibly, a qualification certificate is required. The responsible regulatory agency will gladly inform you about the legal regulations valid in your federal state. And do not forget to register your dog at your local authority for dog license fee! The assessment of the dog license fee, as well as the determination of prerequisites for possible discounts regarding the fee are up to the commune and therefore regulated differently in many municipalities. Some local authorities grant a discount for example for dogs that have passed a companion dog trial. Best make enquiries at your local authority.

Do I require a membership in the SV for buying/selling a German Shepherd? For buying a German Shepherd, no membership in the German Shepherd Association SV is required. Nevertheless, a common exchange of thoughts and experiences with other owners of German Shepherds as well as training the dogs together in a SV local group is a lot of fun! We invite you and your four-legged companion to join the biggest breeding association of the world! Welcome to the SV!

Where can I find a breeder who will advise me well? The licensed breeding wardens in the SV local groups are the experts on-site and will counsel you in your search for the right breeder. They are informed about where a litter was born in the region and which breeder is expecting puppies soon.

What are the reasons for problems with the isolated Processus anconaeus (IPA) and the fragmentation of the Processus coronoideus medialis ulnae (FCP)? What should I pay attention to as a puppy owner in order to avoid such damages? Generally, one has to assume that the genetic make-up of a dog is in most cases decisive for the occurrence of HD and ED. Environmental influences such as deficient alimentation and too much or too little exercise have a certain influence on genetically predispositioned dogs and can increase the degree of the disease. That is true for the different forms of ED as well as for HD. However, especially the influence of the alimentation is often overvalued. Generally, when a young dog shows lameness and the pain can be localized in the elbow, an X-ray of the joints should be done. That often happens at the age of 4 – 7 months. At this time, indications whether there is an ED disease can often be found already and corresponding measures can be taken. Unfortunately, lamenesses at this age are sometimes trivialized as „growing pains“ without any X-ray examination and no further examinations are conducted. Therewith, the chance for the early intervention is not taken advantage of – at the dog’s costs.

The German Shepherd partly has a problem with the early degeneration of the intervertebral disc. This has an effect on the frequency of the cauda equina syndrome. Are there preventive examinations? Through an X-ray, anatomical deformations which can encourage a cauda equina syndrome (CES) are visible; however, the decisive criterion, the state of the intervertebral disc, cannot be detected radiographically. The only possibility to recognize a degeneration of the intervertebral disc is the magnetic resonance tomography/MRI. In my opinion, such an examination only makes sense when there are neurological findings which indicate CES. The examination is complex (anesthesia) and expensive, so that without reasonable suspicion, it only makes sense for dogs for which a time-consuming training associated with high costs is planned. In these cases, the results can support the decision about the dogs’ further use and, if necessary, preventive measures can be taken for the affected dogs.

What does the SV think about the E-collar? What actions does the German Shepherd Association SV take against the usage of electronic collars? Is there a program to introduce modern training methods in all SV local groups? The usage of electronic collars for dog training is forbidden in Germany according to the animal protection law and therefore is also inadmissible in all SV training areas. In case of infringement, the infringer can be excluded from the SV. The training in all local groups, without exception, takes place according to modern, species and animal protection law appropriate training methods. Therefore, heads of training are trained in respective SV seminars. Only licensed heads of training may hold the responsible office of training warden in the SV local groups. They are obliged to participate in training programs regularly.

Where can I find help in training matters? I would like to teach my dog only basic obedience. Does the SV offer possibilities for this? Does the SV also offer puppy groups? Do I absolutely have to train a German Shepherd? Help in all training matters can be found in the numerous SV local groups which have qualified, trained and licensed heads of training. Additionally, the SV has certified some local groups. In all local groups, there is the possibility to teach your dog basic obedience. That usually starts in special puppy groups. You do not have to train a German Shepherd, however, in today’s society, every dog should possess basic obedience with a certain environmental tolerance.

Does protection service put the German Shepherd „on edge“ (Does protection service make my dog aggressive?) Do protection dogs bite more and are they involved in accidents more often? This question can be answered with a clear NO. Just as we humans like to do sports and burn off energy in stress situations, dogs also need to do physical exercise. In protection service, the dogs can work off pent-up stress and their aggression. Additionally, the dogs learn to be obedient even in situations of stress and strain.

When is the best time to start training? Training starts with buying the puppy. From this time on, the Shepherd puppy should be promoted age-appropriately. Here is true: „You can’t teach an old dog new tricks“. Nevertheless, excessive demands should absolutely be avoided. Licensed heads of training are at the puppy owner’s disposal in the approximately 2.000 SV local groups and will provide help and advice in all questions of training.

Does the SV have its own rescue dog unit? The rescue dog sport is becoming more and more popular; the association does not have its own rescue dog unit, however. In rescue dog sport, the individual areas of rescue dog training – expanse of rubble, area search or avalanche search – are tested and rated with sportive comparative scores. Whoever furthermore wants to engage in a rescue dog unit with their dog after the training of the dog can additionally contact the respective civil protection organizations. 

What is the „World Union of German Shepherd associations “? How big is the WUSV? The world union of German Shepherd associations (WUSV) is a union of Shepherd associations worldwide. Founded in 1974, the WUSV has grown to 86 member associations in 78 countries. Worldwide, almost half a million friends and lovers of the breed German Shepherd have joined together internationally via the Shepherd associations of their countries. Their head office resides under one roof with the SV in Augsburg (Germany). President of the WUSV is always the respectively office-holding president of the SV. Their goal: Uniform breed standard, alignment of the positions and the evaluation of German Shepherds in breeding and performance, clarification of open questions regarding breeding and training, upbringing and keeping as well as the combatting of hereditary diseases.

Which dog sports does the SV offer? Apart from the “classic” types of sports performance herding, exhibitions (show) and protection dog sport, the SV also offers agility, rescue dog sport and obedience at the moment. And the association also will not ignore new types of sports with dogs.

To which age can I be active in dog sports with my German Shepherd? That depends solely on the physical constitution of the dog. A German Shepherd wants to have exercise also at an advanced age, even though it certainly needs to be made sure that the dog is not overloaded.

Can I do sports in the SV with a dog of a different breed or a dog without papers? Of course, you can also do dog sports in the SV with dogs of different breeds or dogs without papers. Only for the participation in superregional events of the SV, the corresponding admission requirements are to be observed.