FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Pedigree registrations are controlled by the State/Territory Kennel Control. Puppies/dogs registered with that body have been registered from pedigree parents on the Main Register and pedigree details of the puppy have been recorded for many generations. There is a Code of Ethics which breeders registered with the State Bodies must uphold in their breeding practices and this ensures that the purchaser of a puppy can expect that their puppy should be reared under those practices. [Source: GSD Council Australia.]

The “Main Register” pedigrees are blue in colour, whilst the “Limited Register” pedigrees are orange in colour, and are both A4 size. Dogs registered on the “Limited Register” may not be exhibited in conformation shows, nor can they be bred with, but can still be entered in Obedience, Agility and Tracking Trials. Dogs registered on the “Main Register” are eligible to participate in all aspects of the Kennel Control-sanctioned activities for example: breeding, showing, trialling, breed surveying, etc. [Source: GSD Council Australia.]

​German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that thrive when exercised and mentally stimulated. You can keep a German Shepherd Dog in a small backyard, however if the dog is left alone for long periods of time without proper stimulation or exercise, it will become destructive or may develop problematic tendencies such as barking. If you know your backyard is small, you need to have enough time outside work and other life commitments to devote to that dog so that it can live a happy life.

Due to a German Shepherd’s anatomy, it is important to not extensively exercise your GSD until it has reached the age of 12 months. For youngsters, the best form of exercise is free running as puppies tend to stop and relax when they’ve had enough. Furthermore, you should not encourage your German Shepherd puppy to jump or land on hard surfaces and limit the amount of on lead exercise before the one-year mark. Bloat is common and life threatening for German Shepherds which is why you should not extensively exercise your dog within four hours either before or after they have food or a lengthy drink.

A well-bred puppy will have all the basics for the making of a sound, well-adjusted puppy and adult dog, however, this is just the foundation for the future. Once you take the puppy home it then becomes your responsibility to continue the development of the puppy. This means exposing and reassuring the puppy to and around people, other dogs, the home environment, and the community environment, so as it learns to be confident in all circumstances.

We will have already vaccinated your puppy at six weeks of age. Within your puppy pack, you will receive in-depth information into advice on further vaccinations. Please do not take your puppy to any public places before all vaccinations have been completed. Parvovirus is serious, and no risks should be taken with your puppies life. Always speak to your vet in regard to vaccinations and questions about worming and protecting against heartworm.

A puppy should receive a balanced diet in order to allow for correct growth and to ensure that no bone or joint abnormalities eventuate in the growing process. Access to clean, fresh water is essential at all times. A good diet is complemented by proper exercise according to the age of the dog. While there are many different diets you can choose for your dog, we will provide you with information as to what we recommend and how to give your GSD balanced, delicious meals. When you first receive your German Shepherd Puppy, you can either stick with the diet we have chosen or slowly transition them to a new diet.

Yes. Generally, the different coats you will hear is a “normal” or “stock coat” or a “long” or “long stock coat”. German Shepherds are more commonly known to have the normal coat which consists of a double coat with undercoat. The top coat should be as dense as possible, straight, harsh and close lying. It should be short on the head, including inside the ears, the front of the legs and on the feet and toes; it is a little longer and heavier coated on the neck. The hair lengthens on the back of the legs to the pastern or hock; on the back of the thighs it forms moderate breeching. However, German Shepherds with a long coat will have the long-haired gene when genetically tested. They will also present with with an undercoat, feathering on ears and legs, bushy breeches and bushy tail forming flags below.

This varies greatly, but generally somewhere around 10 to 12 years of age. Some have been known to reach 15 years of age.