Breeding as Part of the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa

Introduction

Breeding German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs) under the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa (GSDFSA) is a regulated practice. Prospective GSD owners can be confident that breeding within the Federation adheres to strict guidelines to maintain the breed’s health and quality.

Regulations and Obligations

Members of the GSDFSA must breed according to the Federation’s breed ordinance, which sets a high standard for breeding practices. The breeder must ensure that the bitch meets the breeding requirements, and the stud dog owner must verify the bitch’s suitability before mating. The resulting litter must be registered appropriately.

Minimum Requirements for Breeding

Only dogs registered in the Federation’s Breed Register or a recognised breed register are accepted for breeding. These dogs must:

• Have a minimum show grading of ‘Good’ (G).
• Have a hip X-ray grading acceptable for breeding.
• Fulfill the official DNA requirements.
• Be identifiable by a recognized system.

Dogs with certain physical or genetic defects, nervous temperaments, or disqualifying traits are not accepted for breeding. The Federation also imposes strict rules against close inbreeding to prevent genetic problems.

Breed Survey Requirements

A Breed Survey is a detailed evaluation of a dog’s anatomy, temperament, and suitability for breeding. It includes:

• Assessment of physical characteristics and health.
• Evaluation of temperament and behavior.
• Recommendations for breeding suitability.

Only dogs registered on the Breed Register may undergo a Breed Survey. Dogs that pass the Breed Survey are awarded the designation “Angekört” and may be recognized by an asterisk (*) before their name.

Health and Welfare

The Federation emphasizes the health of the dogs. Puppies must be tattooed or microchipped for identification within a specified timeframe. The Federation prohibits the sale of puppies to pet shops and monitors the health of breeding dogs to ensure the German Shepherd remains one of the healthiest breeds. Hip and elbow health are monitored, and dogs that fail the official hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) schemes are not allowed to breed.

Ethical Practices

Breeders within the Federation must adhere to ethical guidelines, including prohibitions against the commercial sale of puppies and advertising on pedigrees. Long-coated dogs without undercoats are not used for breeding. The Federation’s comprehensive DNA requirements ensure the genetic integrity of the breeding dogs.

Conclusion

Breeding within the German Shepherd Dog Federation of South Africa is a regulated and serious endeavour. Prospective GSD owners can have confidence that the Federation’s stringent standards and regulations are designed to maintain the health, quality, and integrity of the breed. By adhering to these guidelines, the Federation ensures that every German Shepherd Dog bred under its auspices reflects the breed’s excellence and reliability. Prospective puppy owners need to, however, recognise that breeding is not an exact science. As a breeder, we endeavour to give you to perfect bundle of fur, but sometimes nature snookers us.