Many German Shepherd lovers have seen, known, or loved a dog that suffered great pain, even had to be put down at a young age due to Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD). Though we love this huge breed, the question begs to be asked-Is it worth the risk to purchase and fall in love with a …
In an article sent to several websites read by sports and breeding enthusiasts, I had stated, “A Körung classification is required for registrable breeding in Germany”, and “GSDs there need a qualifying result in a breed survey in order for their offspring to be registered as purebred GSDs. And in order to get that, they …
Very honored Professors, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to submit to you today what is in all probability the most detailed study you have ever obtained in reference to German Shepherd Dogs. This study had begun with the summary of the HD-diagnoses of all dogs of one large breeder in particular, and now finds …
Revised November 2011 [note: Some of the following is composed of excerpts from my book, “The Total German Shepherd Dog,” which has some 17 of its 20 chapters suitable for all breeds, including many on genetics. It is available from Mr.GSD(at)netscape.com . Inquire about foreign shipment postage. Also available: the giant book on orthopedic disorders. …
There has been some heated discussion recently (late 2005) about clubs in the UK, USA, and Australasia adhering to the rules of the SV, the perpetual extending of the SV’s “deadlines” to conform to world Standards, and allied topics. A Körung classification is required for registrable breeding in Germany, and it has always been encouraged …
The largest Sieger Show in North America to date was held outside of Pittsburgh October 14-16, 2005. Known as NASS, for “North American Sieger Show”, it actually is one of four Sieger Shows held in North America, by as many “national” GSD clubs. If one were to give the pedigree (or “father-line”), acknowledging the sponsoring …
Dog breeds are usually grouped—often arbitrarily or erroneously—into from five to ten categories based on function, superficial appearance, or geographical origin, depending on the registry organization. Just because it may make more sense to assign them to groups based primarily on ancestry and then on historical function, does not mean that such will be the …
Revised 2012 INTRODUCTION I am frequently approached by people who have bought “the love of their lives” or a show- or working-prospect puppy, only to find out it does not have what most responsible fanciers would call “breedable” hips. I am asked what should or could be done about it. Nearly half of the inquiries …
Many people label any problem that appears to be inherited a “genetic disease.” However, though there are legitimate genetic diseases, there are also a variety of problems that have an inherited component but are of a fundamentally different nature. Dealing effectively with any genetic problem requires an understanding of …
Though it is not practical to eliminate all deleterious mutation, the incidence of affected individuals may be significantly reduced through a combination of intelligent breeding practice and the development of DNA tests. Why do we have mutations? Mutations are changes in an organism’s DNA that potentially affect the correct functioning of genes. They occur naturally …