The Responsibilities of a Breeder

​Author: Chris Thompson
25 February 2021

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The very reason for the founding of the GSD Federation was to ensure that breeding of German Shepherd Dogs is done in a structured and responsible manner.
The responsibility of the breeder however goes much further than just ensuring that the dogs used for breeding conform to the minimum requirements. The breeders also need to ensure that the puppy they are supplying is healthy, correctly vaccinated and de-wormed, clean and well socialised. It is also essential that the breeder must do their best to educate the new owner and refer them to Federation clubs in their area for puppy training and socialising.

We understand that times are tough, and breeders often really need to sell their puppies as quickly as possible, but are urging our breeders to please act in an ethical, responsible manner. Often the new owner will promise to sterilise the animals concerned, but then life happens and wham, next thing we hear of unregistrable puppies. Please therefore consider the following when doing a sale:

• It is never a good idea to sell two puppies from the same litter to one buyer, and certainly not a brother and sister
• Do not sell a long coat and a short coat puppy of opposite sexes to one buyer
• Do follow-up to ensure that the new owners go to clubs where the breed supervisor can monitor the progress of the puppy.
• Follow up that the owners are aware that their bitches are about due to come into season and they need to do regular checks.ncourage owners with males not suitable for breeding eg. floppy ears or missing testicles to vasectomise (not castrate) their dogs.
• Always offer that if the new owner can no longer keep their dog, for whatever reason, that they contact you first to assist in finding a new home for the dog

​Please act ethically and thus help ensure that no unwanted German Shepherd Dogs end up in shelters around the country.