German Shepherds, with their intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities, rank as the second most popular dog breed in America. But with their popularity comes the question: how can you tell if a German Shepherd is purebred? This guide will walk you through the key characteristics and methods to ensure your German Shepherd is the real deal.
Understanding the German Shepherd Breed
Originally bred in Germany for herding sheep, German Shepherds have evolved into versatile working dogs. They excel in various roles, including disability assistance, search and rescue, and police and military work. Their physical traits and predictable temperaments make them highly sought after.
Physical Characteristics of Purebred German Shepherds
General Appearance
- Size: German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs. Males typically stand 24–26 inches tall at the withers, while females are slightly smaller at 22–24 inches.
- Proportion: They are longer than they are tall, with a ratio of 10 to 8+1⁄2.
- Head: A purebred German Shepherd should have a domed forehead and a long, square-cut muzzle with strong jaws and a black nose.
- Eyes: Medium-sized and brown, with an almond shape.
- Ears: Large and erect, open at the front and parallel to each other. Puppy ears may not stand up until they are four to six months old.
- Neck and Tail: A long neck that is raised when excited and lowered during fast movement, along with a bushy tail that reaches to the hock.
- Body: Strong, muscular build with a deep chest and a straight, firm back.
Coat
- Double Coat: German Shepherds have a double coat featuring a dense undercoat and a straight, slightly wavy outer coat. The coat can be short, medium, or long, but it should not be curly.
- Color: Common colors include black and tan, black and red, and solid black. Other colors such as sable, blue, and liver are less common. White is not an original breed color. Strong, rich colors are preferred, while pale or washed-out colors are undesirable. Most color variations include black masks and body markings, ranging from a classic “saddle” to a “blanket”.
Verifying Purebred Status
Registration Certificate and Pedigree
- Registration: A registration certificate indicates that the dog’s parents were of the same breed. Reputable organizations include the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC).
- Pedigree: A pedigree shows the puppy’s lineage, typically going back at least three generations. This document is usually provided by responsible breeders.
- Limitations: Registration information is self-reported and not always verified by the registry.
DNA Testing
- Accuracy: DNA testing offers a definitive way to confirm if a German Shepherd is purebred.
- Availability: DNA tests are readily available.
Temperament and Behavior
- Predictability: Purebred German Shepherds exhibit predictable temperaments and behaviors.
- Traits: Known for their strong work ethic, intelligence, and loyalty.
Consulting Experts
- Knowledge: Experts can offer insights into breed standards and identify purebred traits.
- Qualified Health Expert: For health-related content, consulting a qualified health expert ensures accuracy, value, and originality.