Gallant Edge German Shepherds

The German Shepherd is a herding dog, originally bred from sheep-tending stock in rural Germany. The founder of the breed was Cavalry Captain Max Von Stephanitz, who almost single handedly developed the breed through judicious inbreeding and line breeding, from 1899 to 1936. He bred dogs specifically for working ability and temperament.

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Canadian Kennel Club Breed Standard

Size - Large

Adult Weight -The adult shepherd weighs an average of 75-90 pounds for males, and 60-70 pounds for females. German shepherds can weigh more depending on bone structure.  American Breeds usually have a smaller bone structure while German Breeds have larger heavier bones structures and can weigh up to 130 lbs for males and 90 lbs for females.  If you have a shepherd that is underweight  Click Here

Adult Height - The standard calls for moderation, with dogs standing 26" tall for males and 24" tall for females (at the withers), despite the modern tendency to breed over sized dogs.

Common Genetic Faults - Some common genetic faults include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, epilepsy, thyroid problems and a form of hemophilia, Von Willebrands disease. Ideally dogs should come from ancestors free of any of these faults for at least 5-6 generations as sometimes it takes that long for problems to surface. If people decide to buy a dog or puppy, we suggest that they buy only from a REPUTABLE BREEDER, not someone who is just "making puppies." The breeder should be able to tell you their dog's strengths, faults, and what they are breeding to improve. All dogs should come from OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certified parents and ancestors certified as at least "fair," and preferably as "good" or excellent." This will "stack the genetic deck" for healthy bone structures, free from disease and pain.

Remember that there are no perfect dogs! A reputable breeder of any type of dog gives a written contract, which includes a clause, that the breeder should be contacted first if there are any problems with the puppy or in the event that you can no longer keep or care for the puppy. A good breeder stands behind their puppies for their lifetime. The German Shepherd Dog is prone to certain ailments, some of which are particular to the breed. Ailments include Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia be sure that both that both parents have had their hips certified at least OFA Good), and are pone to gastric disorders. Other common ailments include  Panosteitis, Pannus, and Von Willebrand's Disease.

Click here to read more about common german shepherd ailments.

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The Adult Shepherd will eat approximately 40 pounds of dry dog food per month. Naturally, this will vary depending on the metabolism of each individual animal and it's activity level. Because dogs are born carnivores, many people supplement their dogs diet with meat protein. With today's commercial dog food prices, the cost of feeding an adult shepherd will run about $50 per month Canadian and $36.00 per month US for a good quality dry dog food. Vitamin supplements, meat, coat conditioners etc. may increase that cost. Young active dogs will require more fuel than older or inactive dogs and puppies require a Premium Large Breed Puppy Food.  Life expectancy is 12-14 years with quality care.

German Shepherd Puppies increase in size by 70 times their birth weight within 15 months and double their weight each month as a young pup.  This dramatic growth requires special nutritional  needs (for strong bones and joints, sensitive digestive system, immunization boosters) that are only met with a "premium large breed puppy food".

Your pup will require a puppy food made especially for the needs of a growing large breed puppy and for the special needs of your German Shepherd where there are concerns about  joints and sensitive digestive system.  There are many large breed puppy foods on the market today.

Be Informed About Dog Food When caring for any new animal in your household, it is important to ensure that you are using the best food for your animal. It costs just as much to feed a mixed breed as it does a show champion, and the nutritional requirements will be the same! In the long run it does not pay to feed a lesser quality food, as usually the dog will have to eat more to get the nutrients he/she will instinctively crave. Your veterinarian and breeder or breed rescue representative will be able to discuss what is best, and still affordable. Most will recommend staying away from the grocery store brands, including the big name brands. They simply do not use consistent quality ingredients, but rather those that are cheapest at the time the lot is being manufactured (the equivalent of junk food).

There are several good brands offered at local vet clinics, feed stores and pet supply houses that are only slightly higher in price. Because the dog will eat less (absorbing more and satisfying his nutritional needs with a smaller amount), use more of his food for fuel (and produce less manure!), it is more economically sound to purchase a higher quality food, supplementing with a small amount of meat at least 2-3 times per week. Offer the dog the recommended amount on the dog food bag and remove uneaten portions after 30 minutes. Amounts will vary with each animal and levels of activity.   Find a premium one you can trust to ensure your dog is getting the proper nutrients it requires.

At Gallant Edge German Shepherds we use only the Best!  We use premium dog food from Royal Canin and Eukanuba made specifically for the Large Breed Puppy and Adult German Shepherd to ensure the special dietary needs of the german shepherd puppy and adult dog are met.

Both Royal Canin and Eukanuba offer a Large Breed Puppy Dog Food and a "Breed Specific Adult German Shepherd dog food" made specifically for the special dietary needs of the German Shepherd Dog.  It comes in 36-40 pound bags and is a little more expensive than others, but the dogs absorb more of the food they eat thus eating less than many other store brands.  A small puppy may go through 1 bag in 2 months and as the puppy grows will be eating one bag per month.

Both Eukanuba and Royal Canin offer buy 10 bags get the 11th free at retail outlets.  Ask Your retail outlet about this.  (You will need to keep your receipts and the bar codes from the bags you have purchased at some outlets.)  Some stores track your purchases with a member card and then send you a coupon for the free bag.  You can also contact both companies to be made aware of specials deals they offer.  In the end I find this premium dog food well worth the price, a very good deal and provides peace of mind that my dogs are getting all the nutrients they need with shiny healthy coats too.

The care and grooming of a German Shepherd includes vigorous daily exercise, coat and skin care, daily brushing, bathing, and care of toenails, ears and teeth. There is much to learn about proper care and grooming of the german shepherd dog.

Click here for more detailed information about the proper Care and Grooming of the German Shepherd Dog

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Before purchasing a puppy or adult dog at Gallant Edge German Shepherds or any other breeder, there are a number of things you need to know.  German Shepherds are wonderful, loyal, versatile dogs.  They are also high energy dogs that require a serious commitment of of your love, time, education and appropriate care for their entire life.  This commitment should not be taken lightly.  Your new puppy will depend on you for life.

Please trade with ethical breeders only, or consider adopting a homeless pet from a rescue or shelter and help reduce shelter populations and save lives.  Reputable, ethical breeders provide puppy buyers with a written contract.  Always included is an ongoing commitment to the welfare of the animals they breed and a stipulation they will take back, find a new home, or help home your animal if it becomes necessary at any time during the life of your companion.  Responsible breeders are there for all situations, both good and bad.  They know they were responsible for the puppy being born.  They are always concerned about their pups and are willing to provide guidance and answer your questions. 

At Gallant Edge German Shepherds we believe in honesty and integrity, we also believe that buyers should be informed and educated.   We mean it when we say we want you to be an educated dog owner because we care about the future emotional and physical welfare of not only our pups but yours too.

Before making your decision, please be sure you are ready for the investment of your love, time, companionship, care, finances, appropriate medical treatment and proper nourishment for your pup.  We do not want any of our pups to need rescue, but to go to loving responsible homes.  We ask our owners to get educated about proper care, training, nutrition, to assist with raising your pet.  Informed pet owners care about their dogs and keep them for life.  Please be one of them. Read the  Puppy Buyer Pledge

For More Information and Help with behavior issues, puppies issues, health and more go to our GSD HELP page

For More Information about purchasing a german shepherd puppy from Gallant Edge German Shepherds go to Our Puppies Page  Gallant Shepherds Commitment to You

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