German Shepherds, with their intelligence, loyalty, and striking appearance, are one of the most beloved dog breeds in the world. But how can you be sure that adorable German Shepherd puppy you’re bringing home is actually a purebred? Identifying a purebred German Shepherd involves looking at a combination of physical traits, temperament, and documentation. If you’re thinking about getting one of these intelligent and loyal companions, stick around to find out more.
Why Does Purebred Status Matter?
If you’re looking for a pet with specific traits such as a strong work ethic, intelligence, and a loyal personality, a purebred German Shepherd is more likely to have those qualities. Purebred puppies typically have more predictable temperaments and health histories, which can be essential if you’re planning to train your dog for a specific task or want to minimize potential health issues. Finally, if you’re looking to compete in dog shows or breed your German Shepherd, a purebred puppy with a known lineage is essential.
Physical Traits: What to Look For
- Size and Weight: German Shepherd puppies grow quickly, so it’s essential to consider their age when evaluating size. At eight weeks old, they typically weigh about 16 to 20 pounds, and by six months, they can weigh anywhere between 49 to 71 pounds.
- Coat: When we think of the typical German Shepherd, we think of tan coloring with black facial and saddle markings. German Shepherd puppies come in various colors; the most common are black and tan, black and red, and solid black. Other colors include sable, blue, and liver, but these are far less common. Purebred German Shepherd puppies have a double coat with a dense undercoat and a straight, slightly wavy outer coat. The length of the coat can be short, medium, or long, but it should never be curly. A purebred German Shepherd can have three different varieties of coats, which are the double coat, the plush coat, and the long-haired coat. The double coat is considered the standard of the German Shepherd coats, although many German Shepherds that are kept as family pets have a long-haired coat. Regardless, German Shepherds shed regularly throughout the year and require regular brushing and grooming.
- Head: A German Shepherd puppy’s head should be proportionate to its body, with a strong and slightly elongated muzzle. German Shepherd puppies have a dome-shaped head with a straight forehead.
- Ears: Purebred German Shepherds have erect, pointed ears. Keep in mind that a puppy’s ears may not fully stand up until they are four to six months old. As they get older, the air should stand up on their own.
- Eyes: German Shepherds have medium-sized, almond-shaped, dark eyes. They should look alert and intelligent.
- Body: The German Shepherd puppy should have a strong, muscular body with a deep chest and a straight and strong back. These dogs have a strong muscular build that’s designed for both speed and endurance. They’re neither lanky like a greyhound or short and stocky like a bulldog; instead, they’re slightly longer than they are tall, giving them a balanced, agile appearance.
- Tail: Their tails should reach at least to their hocks and hang in a slight curve.
- Nose: Their nose should always be black, no matter the color of their fur.
Temperament: Typical German Shepherd Traits
Even when they’re puppies, German Shepherds show signs of being confident, courageous, and smart. They should be eager to explore their surroundings and show a willingness to learn new things.
Documentation: Confirming Purebred Status
- Pedigree: A pedigree is a document that shows your puppy’s lineage, usually going back at least three generations. If you’re getting a puppy from a breeder, they should be able to provide a pedigree certificate. This shows the puppy’s family tree and can confirm it’s a purebred German Shepherd.
- Registration: A registered puppy means that it’s listed with a reputable organization such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC). A good and responsible breeder will always have these documents, so make sure to do proper research selecting a breeder.
Additional Confirmation Methods
- DNA Test: If you want to be 100% sure, you can do a DNA test of your puppy.
- Veterinarian Check: You can also take the puppy to a vet for a thorough check. The vet can confirm the breed and also ensure the puppy is healthy and has no inherited health problems.
A Note on Responsible Pet Ownership
Being a responsible pet owner means caring for your dog’s health and happiness, no matter if it’s a breed or a mix. Purebred or not, every dog deserves love and a good home. While adopting a Shepherd, you should check out and examine the above-mentioned characteristic traits to determine the breed. You can also ask the breeder directly or get its DNA test done. You can also check your German Shepherd’s pedigree papers to learn more about its breed.