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Breeding German Shepherd Dogs
If I have a purebred German Shepherd female dog and want to breed her, where would I look for a male purebred German Shepherd to become her mate? How does the owner of the male German Shepherd stud get compensated? Is it a set sum paid initially, or is it one or more pups the female gives birth to? I am new to this, so can you please review the case scenarios? How many times do they have to mate? Where do they mate? At my house or the male dog’s house? How long does it take for the female dog to develop and give birth fully? How many puppies do German Shepherd dogs have? Do female German Shepherd dogs naturally know, by instinct, how to care for their pups? How long do the puppies have their eyes closed? When do the puppies open their eyes, learn about their surroundings, and play with each other? How much do German Shepherd puppies without AKC papers sell for?
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1 Reply
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When breeding a purebred German Shepherd, cautious planning, ethical concerns, and familiarity with the entire process are necessary. In this piece, I’ll tackle all your questions in detail based on general knowledge and best practices in dog breeding, ensuring my answer is brief but inclusive.
Where to Find a Male Purebred German Shepherd Stud
To find an appropriate male purebred German Shepherd for breeding:
Breed Clubs and Organizations:
- Contact the German Shepherd Dog Club of America (GSDCA) or breed clubs within your locality.
- They usually have directories for breeders or stud registries.
Reputable Breeders:
- Contact well-established breeders of German Shepherds near you who may have stud dogs or can recommend one.
- Websites like the American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace can also list breeders that provide stud services.
Dog Shows and Events:
Attend AKC-sanctioned dog or German Shepherd specialty shows to interact with owners and breeders.
Online Platforms:
- Only use reliable sites such as AKC Marketplace or breed-specific forums like the Pedigree Database, not general classifieds like Craigslist, where quality or health testing may not be done.
Veterinarian or Trainer Referrals:
- Your veterinarian or professional dog trainer could refer you to reputable breeders with stud dogs.
- You must consider the male’s pedigree, health clearances like DM testing, OFA hip/elbow certifications, and temperament.
- Your female dog should be complemented by the male in terms of such traits as conformation and working ability so that healthy puppies can be bred from them.
- Meeting the student and owner personally to know their compatibility and living conditions is good.
Compensation Action for the Stud Dog Owner
Compensation for a student varies but is usually agreed upon through a written contract.
These agreements are made in various ways, including:
- Stud Fee: An upfront fee paid when confirming pregnancy.
- Or it could be a flat payment ranging between $500 and $2000+, depending on titles, demand, and pedigree.
- Pick of the Litter: Instead of being paid in currency, some stud owners prefer taking one or more puppies (usually first or second picks) when they become available.
- This is often true when a valuable litter is expected.
- Combination: Sometimes, there may be a small fee plus a puppy.
- No Pregnancy, No Fee: Some stud owners will refund your fee.
- Or you can choose to have another go at breeding at no additional cost.
Case Scenarios:
Stud Fee Only:
- Pay $1k in advance and keep all puppies if the breeding is successful.
- If pregnancy fails, the stud owner may offer a repeat breeding or a refund of some fees.
Pick of the Litter:
- The stud owner does not charge you but instead gets to choose one puppy from that particular litter and let you have the rest.
Failed Breeding:
- You may lose your stud fee (if non-refundable) or renegotiate for another attempt in case the female doesn’t conceive.
- Always state this in your contract.
Recommendation:
- A written stud contract outlining payment terms, repeat breeding policies, and responsibilities (e.g., health testing and travel costs) should be used.
How Many Times Do They Mate?
Frequency:
- German Shepherds typically mate 1–3 times over a few days to maximize the chance of conception, often every 48 hours during the female’s fertile period (estrus, usually days 9–14 of her heat cycle).
Determining Timing
Monitor your female’s heat cycle with a veterinarian’s help (e.g., progesterone testing) to pinpoint ovulation for optimal breeding timing.
Natural vs. Artificial Insemination
- Natural dog mating is preferred, but artificial insemination (AI) may be done if the stud and dam are not in the same location or for health reasons.
- AI may require fewer sessions but involves vet costs.
Where Do They Mate?
Location:
- Mating generally occurs at the stud dog’s home or facility, as males are often more comfortable in their environment, which can improve success.
- However, this can be negotiated:
At Your House:
- If the student travels to your home, you may cover travel costs or provide accommodations.
At Stud’s House:
You bring your female to the male dog’s location, which is more common.
Neutral Location:
A breeder’s facility or vet clinic may be used, especially for AI.
Considerations:
- Ensure the environment is safe, quiet, and free from distractions.
- Experienced handlers should supervise both dogs.
Gestation and Birth Timeline
Gestation Period:
- German Shepherds have a gestation period of approximately 63 days (9 weeks) from ovulation to birth.
- However, it can range from 58 to 68 days.
Development Stages:
- Weeks 1-3: Embryos develop; minimal visible changes in the female.
- Weeks 4–6: If a pregnancy is confirmed via ultrasound (around day 25–35), the female’s abdomen will begin to enlarge.
- Weeks 7–9: Puppies will grow quickly in this period.
- The female dog prepares for birth, and the vet may recommend X-rays to count puppies near term.
Birth:
- Labor usually lasts from start to finish in about 6–12 hours, with puppies born every 30–60 minutes.
- Veterinary help is recommended for first-time breeders or if any complications develop.
Litter Size for German Shepherds
Average Litter Size:
- On average, German Shepherds have litters of six to eight puppies.
- However, depending on the mother’s health, age, and genetics, one puppy can be born as few as one or as many as twelve.
Factors Affecting Size:
- First-time mothers or older females might produce smaller litters.
- Large litters incur health risks, so veterinary monitoring is necessary.
Instinctive Care:
- Most female dogs of this breed have strong maternal instincts and naturally nurse, clean, and keep their offspring warm.
- They also know how to stimulate urination/defecation and protect the litter.
Potential Issues:
- Sometimes, first-time mothers may become confused or neglectful, necessitating breeder intervention.
- Observe her vigilantly for signs like stress, aggression, or poor care, such as not nursing at all.
Support Needed
- If the mother rejects puppies or has health problems, assist with feeding them (bottle-feeding) or seek veterinary assistance.
Puppy Opening and Eye Development
Eyes Closed
- The eyes of German Shepherd puppies are closed for 10 to 14 days after birth.
- Their eyes open when they are 10 to 14 days old, allowing them to see and react to light.
Learning and Play
- 2-3 Weeks: The pups begin to hear and become more aware of their environment.
- They start wobbling about and exploring.
- 3-4 weeks: Puppies get more mobile, start playing with their littermates, and develop social behaviors.
- 4-8 Weeks: They actively play, learn bite inhibition, and start weaning on solid food around four weeks old.
- Socialization should occur between the third and twelfth months of a puppy’s life.
- It will involve gentle handling and introduction to various sounds and environments for them to develop into well-adjusted adults.
Price of German Shepherd puppies without AKC papers
- Price Range: Generally speaking, German shepherd puppies without AKC papers can fetch anywhere from $500-$1500, depending on:
- Location: Suppose the parents are health tested or come from working lines that have been individually tested.
- In that case, some puppies can still be sold for higher prices even without registration.
- However, the scarcity and the reputation of the breeder also determine pricing to a large extent.
- Lack of papers reduces value, as buyers seeking show or breeding dogs prioritize registration.
- However, puppies can still be marketed as pets or working dogs if their parents are health-tested and of good quality.
- That means you must ensure that the puppies are healthy and that their dewormings and vaccinations justify the price.
- Hence, they’re worth what you’re asking for.
Additional Advice for New Breeders
- Before breeding, your female dog should be checked for hip/elbow dysplasia, DM (degenerative myelopathy), and other frequent diseases in this breed.
- The male dog should also have similar clearances.
- As a breeder, it is important to know your local regulations on breeding, get the necessary permits, and follow all the guidelines set by AKC or GSDCA.
- Avoid having too many litters or doing it without a plan for where to take your pups afterward.
- Regarding breeding, there are many costs, such as vet care and stud fees, among other things.
- Are you financially ready?
- How about selecting potential homes for puppies
- Find an experienced breeder/mentor who can guide you.
Whelping Preparation 101
You can prepare in advance by setting up a whelping box, having your vet on call, and learning about canine labor and puppy care.
Tools to Help You Out
I can find specific German Shepherd stud listings on sites like the AKC Marketplace or at breeder profiles on GCA Forums to check their reputation. Another option would be for me to make a chart with litter sizes or puppy development milestones to help you see the whole thing more clearly. Could you tell me if you want me to do any of these things, or if you have your source of information on where to look for a student?
I also need your confirmation concerning whether I should make a chart or search for other resources. At the same time, it would be helpful if you could give me your location (but only if you feel comfortable) so I can direct you toward finding a suitable student.