Pure Breed question.

[Quinten78]

Hello all,
Well my question is how do you know if the dog is a pure breed dog? I have a 10 week old GSD and just wanted to see if there was a test or something like that to rule out any other breed in him.

Here is a picture of Gunner

[KZoppa]

the only surefire way is to get your pup from a reputable breeder. All we can do is judge by pictures and certain characteristics. Dont waste your money on DNA tests. They're not reliable. your pup sure looks PB to me but the picture isnt the best angle(s) to fully say anything

[fuzzybunny]

I second the "not wasting your money on DNA tests.

Your pup looks pure bred to me

[Quinten78]

Yeah I think so to just a little paranoid I guess.
Here is a different picture, all though its not a great angle either.

[trudy]

You didn't say where you got him, but if you wanted a pure bred German Shepherd you would have bought from a breeder who would have provided registration papers, proof of vet visits, adn hopefully you would have educated yourself enough to verify that Both parents have had their hips and elbows xrayed and the xrays submitted to OFA, and passed before the breeding took place. You would have also seen the proof of the quality of the parents with their titles, and training. You would have been able to approach the mom who would meet you calmly and well behaved while the owner showed you her other dogs and ribbons. All breeders love bragging about their dogs and their accomplishments. THAT is how to buy a pure bred dog, research first and all questions asked Before the pup comes home.

[Quinten78]

Originally Posted by trudy

You didn't say where you got him, but if you wanted a pure bred German Shepherd you would have bought from a breeder who would have provided registration papers, proof of vet visits, adn hopefully you would have educated yourself enough to verify that Both parents have had their hips and elbows xrayed and the xrays submitted to OFA, and passed before the breeding took place. You would have also seen the proof of the quality of the parents with their titles, and training. You would have been able to approach the mom who would meet you calmly and well behaved while the owner showed you her other dogs and ribbons. All breeders love bragging about their dogs and their accomplishments. THAT is how to buy a pure bred dog, research first and all questions asked Before the pup comes home.

Yeah thats great and all, however to find breeders like that in Fresno is like ending terrorism; its never going to happen. And if I could find one with those kind of accomplishments I would be paying over $1000 and I don't have that kind of money. I love the bred, but I don't have that kind of money to invest. I know that sounds bad but If he is a pure bred then I have no problems with that. No matter what blood line he came from papers or not I will love him as much as I can regardless. I did meet the mother and she was very nice. Im not going to enter competitions or train him as a police dog or start breeding, I just love the breed and couldn't see myself with any other.

[PaddyD]

I paid $650 for the granddaughter of a Grand Victor (with papers, of course) you don't have to pay a fortune for a registered GSD.

[trudy]

sometimes the $1000 spent for a well bred dog turns out cheap when compared to potential vet costs for health issues. I know lots of people will say this and yes even well bred can have health issues but you are usually safer if the parents are health tested and really you can't see the problem by just looking until it is going to cost lots. AS far as the mom being nice, that is actually 1/2 the equation, who is the dad?? Do they hide or panic during thunder storms?? Do they lunge at people when walked, that usually signifies fear, so they show aggression cause they are afraid. I'm sure mom was nice in her yard, but what about when stressed in a new place.

Although what ever you paid might appear cheaper, so often people decide they don't like the breed and the dog is then abandoned to a shelter as too ill, hard to train, fearful, aggressive etc. The reason is usually buying cheap. I really hope this doesn't happen to you, I hope this pup remains healthy and if you socialize daily and train and do lots that the temperment issues won't come through. Good luck. Too bad you didn't check out this site as some people could have pointed you the better way. And if you can't afford the larger price perhaps a rescue that does all health updates and temperment tests the dogs and carefully matches one to a family could have been found.

Now you are playing russian roulette, and I hope you have the money for vets and training classes,

[jaggirl47]

Originally Posted by trudy

sometimes the $1000 spent for a well bred dog turns out cheap when compared to potential vet costs for health issues. I know lots of people will say this and yes even well bred can have health issues but you are usually safer if the parents are health tested and really you can't see the problem by just looking until it is going to cost lots. AS far as the mom being nice, that is actually 1/2 the equation, who is the dad?? Do they hide or panic during thunder storms?? Do they lunge at people when walked, that usually signifies fear, so they show aggression cause they are afraid. I'm sure mom was nice in her yard, but what about when stressed in a new place.

Although what ever you paid might appear cheaper, so often people decide they don't like the breed and the dog is then abandoned to a shelter as too ill, hard to train, fearful, aggressive etc. The reason is usually buying cheap. I really hope this doesn't happen to you, I hope this pup remains healthy and if you socialize daily and train and do lots that the temperment issues won't come through. Good luck. Too bad you didn't check out this site as some people could have pointed you the better way. And if you can't afford the larger price perhaps a rescue that does all health updates and temperment tests the dogs and carefully matches one to a family could have been found.

Now you are playing russian roulette, and I hope you have the money for vets and training classes,

I spent next to nothing on my old man when I bought him. I have since spent 10's of thousands on vet fees and health issues. Plus, when we recently moved from Texas to Wahington last year, he had to be on a prescription of Xanax and we had to do an e-vet visit because his nervous stomach had him pooping straight blood. Thank goodness we came accross an awesome vet in the middle of Wyoming!

[zyppi]

Skipping over the debates.. you have a handsome little German Shepherd puppy.

Congratulations and enjoy him.