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If any breed of dog is most deserving of the title Noble with Natural Beauty then that dog is the German Shepherd.

A Vision

written by Carol Kufner

I saw a glimmering vision

It took my breath away

Twas the silhouette of a shepherd

More regal than words can say

The beams of light they danced

On a coat of endless black

A vision of perfection

Atop an iron back

He stood there like a statue

for all the world to see

What a vision of perfection

A German Shepherd can be

The look of a noble prince

Lord of all he surveys

Confident in himself

Eyes fixed in a aristocratic gaze

Never shall I forget

The vision I saw that day

Of the mighty Shepherd

Who took my breath away

He is a dog with elegant yet flowing lines, glamorous to behold, with a shining coat, erect ears, and an intelligent expression that will command attention wherever he is seen. His eyes indicate the love and affection he has for those who care for him and his sweeping tail will show his mood whether it be happy or sad.

By nature a German Shepherd is wary of strangers, though once one is accepted by him he is a friend for life. He is an efficient obedience worker, quick to learn and what is learned will never be forgotten. It is an active breed and thrives on worklittle is beyond its capabilities. Powerful yet graceful and nimble, he is the epitome of those qualities considered to be ideal within a dog.

He loves human companionship and will respond to his owners mood whether this be lying quietly by his side or romping across the fields; indeed, at all times, his one desire is to be with you and to please you.

He has a keen sense of humor and enjoys playful games yet, in defense of those he loves, can become a frightening adversary that one would be well advised to keep clear of.

In bringing a German Shepherd into your home, you are making an addition to your family and he will quickly feel a part of it. Your house, your garden, your possessions and in fact all that you own will from then on be in his special care. He needs your love, but he needs also correct attention to his grooming, exercise, food, and general welfare. Given these, your German Shepherd will devote his very life to you and you will be the richer for this and for the companionship and love you both will share.


OUR BEST FRIENDS DESERVE THE BEST

 

At Highlander German Shepherds, we believe in promoting optimal health which begins with a well balanced diet.  It is imperative that the diet be the most balanced holistic food.

Click Here To Order Healthy Dog Food

In this regard we also feel supermarket type commercial foods are inadequate for healthy dogs, just read a few labels - you will be amazed at all of the fillers, sugar/sweeteners, beet pulp, grain by-products, vegetable fragments (we look for whole grains and vegetables), "animal fat or animal protein" not identified by species (a euphemism for a low-quality, low-priced mix of fats of uncertain orgin.  "Meat by-products" can be practically anything including claws, feathers, or pieces of shoe leather for that matter.)  When reading a label that uses meat by-products or poultry by-products as their source of protein it is just about impossible to ascertain the quality of protein used by that food manufacturer.  "Whole meats" are expensive, and because they are expensive many dog food makers utilize protein by-products to cut costs!  Also pay attention to other artificial garbage including artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.  A healthy product full of top-quality ingredients should not need non-nutritive additives to make it look or taste better!  There are plenty of good natural preservatives such as rosemary, vitamins A and C can be used instead.  

PLEASE DO NOT alter your puppy's diet as changing environment from our home to yours is a stressful experience and maintaining a consistent diet is imperative. We will provide a feeding schedule to you.


Please provide plenty of fresh clean water for your pet at all times. In addition to proper diet and fresh water, for optimum health, your pet needs regular exercise, fresh air, lots of love and attention and regular veterinary care. Try to schedule a veterinary checkup at least once a year.

All of our dogs receive NuVet Plus and NuJoint Plus made by NuVet Labs daily. NuVet Canine health supplements are a precise combination of human-grade, natural vitamins, minerals, herbs, antioxidants, bioflavonoids, fatty acids, and amino acids proven to provide immune system support.  NuVet Plus contains natural ingredients with no artificial colors or flavors.  This naturally healthy supplement is synergisitically formulated to maximize the longevity and quality of your dog's life.  We give NuJoint Plus to maintain healthy hips and joints.  It is common for German Shepherds to experience "growing pains" --  we do not experience such problems with our dogs.  We believe our holistic care that includes a healthy diet and NuVet Canine Health Supplements contribute significantly to the over all health and well being of our German Shepherds.  To order Nuvet Products Please click on this link or call 800-474-7044 using the discount code 863464  www.nuvet.com/863464  

We feel so strongly that NuVet Plus and NuJoint Plus are the best supplements available, we offer our breeder discount code to everyone so you do not have to pay full price. 

It has been proven that nutrition plays a vital role in the longevity and quality of dog's lives.  For this reason Highlander German Shepherds not only offers our NuVet Breeder Discount Code but we also will provide Timberwolf dog food to anyone in our local area for our price (no mark up at all)  Our mission is is not to make money from selling vitamins or dog food, we simply want to enable as many dogs as we can to have long and healthy lives.  We do these things because we love dogs.  Please see the GSD Info page on our website for more information on Timberwolf Dog Food.

 

 IMPORTANT

Many of the world's foremost holistic veterinarians, including Dr. Jean Dodds, Dr. Christina Chambreau, Dr. Russell Swift, Dr. Charles Loops, and Dr. Richard Pitcairn, agree that poor quality commercial pet food and excessive vaccination are behind many chronic diseases being delt with today in veterinary medicine.  Many veterinarians still recommend annual vaccinations, this does not mean that it is safe to do so.  Almost without exception, there is no immunological requirement for annual revaccination.   Instead of administering vaccines year after year to our adult dogs - a simple blood test is performed by our veterinarian to see if they have adequate antibodies/immunity called a titer prior to giving them random shots "just because." 

 

Dr. W Jean Dodds research on vaccinations is very informative. CANINE VACCINATION PROTOCOL 2007 - MINIMAL VACCINE USE HEMOPET 


We believe in minimal vaccinations and utilize the following vaccination schedule:       

Age of Pups Vaccine Type

6 weeks - Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)

8 1/2 - 9 weeks - Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV (e.g. Intervet Progard Puppy DPV)

15 -18 weeks - Distemper, Adenovirus Type 2, Parainfluenza, Parvovirus (e.g. Intervet Progard 5)

20 weeks - Rabies (Give the rabies vaccine alone -- not on the same day as any other vaccines, preferably 2-3 weeks after the above vaccine)

1 year - Distemper + Parvovirus, MLV

1 year - Rabies, killed 3 year vaccine (give 3-4 weeks apart from distemper/parvovirus booster)

Perform vaccine antibody titers for distemper and parvovirus every year thereafter.  Vaccinate for rabies virus according to the law, except where circumstances indicate that a written waiver needs to be obtained from the primary care veterinarian. In that case, a rabies antibody titer can also be performed to accompany the waiver request.

Because we take our dogs to many places where they can be exposed to other dogs, we do give Intervet's Progard KC (canine parainfluenza-Bordetella Bronchiseptica Vaccine ... kennel cough vaccine) yearly. We also give the Intervet Pro-Lyme vaccine (Borrelia Burgdorferi Bacteria from the deer tick causes Lyme's Disease) as the area that we live in is so heavily populated with deer.  We do NOT use Fort Dodge vaccines - ever!

We advise that when you take your puppy to the veterinarian you bring a copy of this with you.  Also BEFORE he/she administers any vaccines ask what company is the manufacturer of the vaccine.  Intervet and Phizer are safe, I would not use any vaccines that are manufactured by any other company.

Vaccines that we do not advise giving to your dog:

The Giardia Vaccine -- this vaccine has not been proven to be effective in the prevention of Giardia!  Many dogs that have received the Giardia Vaccine will still get Giardia when exposed to it.  Giardia can be treated with antibiotics - why use an ineffective vaccine. 

The Coronavirus Vaccine re: the disease is not significant and only in certain parts of the United States. 

Adenovirus Type One (NOT to be confused with Adenovirus Type TWO)-- studies found that the Adenovirus Type One vaccine can cause visual impairment in dogs.

 

Canine Hip Dysplasia -

Although genetics play a big role in the development of canine hip dysplasia (CHD), not everything about the disease is hereditary.  Even dogs that are not genetically predisposed to develop CHD can contract the disease if they  are pushed too hard early in life by hyper-nutrition and excessive exercise.  Over exercise (jogging/running with a puppy, pulling weights, running with owner on a bike etc.) will cause problems, over feeding a young puppy and allowing it to get fat can cause hip problems as well as allowing it to jump from SUV's or trucks etc.  By preventing the above (rapid weight gain/growth, traumatic exercise/jumping) and feeding a controlled balanced diet increases the opportunity for muscle, connective tissue, and the hip joint bones to develop congruently.  Hip dyspalsia has four major causes: genetics, poor nutrition ie: grocery store dog food, over feeding, and over exercise at a young age (under 2 years of age). 

Please note all of our dogs are xray'd and free of hip dysplasia, have had a complete blood count, chemistry, pancreatic and liver function testing before breeding is considered.

SOCIALIZATION especially early socialization is essential to raise a happy and well rounded German Shepherd. 

 

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION -- MORE INFO TO BE ADDED SOON. 


German Shepherd Show & WorkingTitles / Hip Ratings


BH - Traffic Steady Companion Dog Title - Must be at least 15 Months

AD - Endurance Title - Must be at least 16 Months

WH - Watchdog Title - Must be 15 Months


SchH1 - The preliminary Schutzhund qualification in tracking,
obedience and protection - Must be at least 18 months

SchH2 - More challenging Schutzhund work in tracking,
obedience and protection - Must be at least 19 Months

SchH3 - The master and competition level of the three
phases of Schutzhund. - Must be 20 months


FH1 - Advanced Tracking - Must be 18 months

FH2 - The most advanced tracking title - Must be 20 Months




* International Titles *
IPO1-International trial rules similar to Schutzhund test, but with some variations

IPO2 - Very similar to Schutzhund II (SchH2) more challenging with tracking, obedience and protection.

IPO3 - The full competition level of International Trial Rules


DH - Service Dog

DPH - Service Police Dog

HGH - Herding Dog

LwH - Avalanche Dog

PFP1 & PFP2 - Police Tracking Dog

PH - Police Dog

ZH1, 2 & 3 - Customs Dog


* KOER RATINGS *

KKL1 - Korklasse 1 (especially recommended for breeding by the SV

KKL2 - Korklasse 2 (suitable for breeding by the SV

Korkung (Breed Survey)

Lbz - Lebenszeit (Breed Surveyed for life)

M - Mangelhaft (faulty show or performance rating)

Sieger - Grand Victor at the National Sieger show (VA-1)

Siegerin - Grand Victrix at the National Sieger show (VA-1)

SG - Sehr Gut (the highest obtainable show rating for a young adult under the age of 2 years old)


U - Ungenugend (insufficient show or performance rating)

VA - Vorzuglich - Auslese (Excellent Select show rating given only at Sieger Show

VH - Vorhanden (sufficient show or performance rating)



* HIP RATINGS *

SV "a-stamp" (indicates a passing hip score)

"a-normal" SV Certified normal hips

"Fast Normal" SV certified near normal hips

"Noch zugelassen"- SV certified hips still permissible for breeding

To equate the A Stamp of Germany to the OFA :

A 1 = OFA Excellent

A 2 = OFA Good

A 3 = OFA Fair (no hip dysplasia)

A 4 = OFA mild hip dysplasia

OFA - Orthopedic Foundation for Animals

OFA - Excellent - no dysplasia, superior hip socket conformation

OFA - Good - No dysplasia, a well formed, congruent hip joint

OFA - Fair - No dysplasia, a well formed, congruent hip joint

OFA - Borderline - No consensus between radiologists to place hip into either a normal or dysplastic category

OFA - Mild Grade 1 mild hip dysplasia present

OFA - Moderate Grade 2 moderate hip dysplasia present

OFA - Severe Grade 3 severe hip dysplasia present



Czech Dogs

ZM - Basic title similar to BH but with bite work

ZPO - Protection Title

SPO - Slovak Protection Title


ZVV1/SVV1 - The preliminary Czech title, extensive tracking,
on and off leash obedience and protection. Similar to
Schutzhund 1 but very difficult.

ZVV2/SVV2
- Much more challenging Second Czech title
includes more extensive tracking, more intense obedience
and difficult protection. Similar to Schutzhund 2 however
very difficult and geared towards real everday situations.

ZVV3/SVV3 - The master level of Czech Title System
Only 3 - 10 dogs receive this prestigious title per year.
This title includes very long detailed tracking, full obedience
and very extensive protection. Similar to Schutzhund 3 however
very demanding and much more realistic.

ZMP Similar to ZVV, also includes Article Search (ZMMP=1st level, ZMP2=Highest Level)


SP - Tracking title

ZPS - Special tracking title

ZP - Participant in Search and Rescue

UPM - Completion of Search and Rescue

ZZP - Search and Rescue Dog

ZLP - Avalanche Dog

SP-VB - Police examination title

SP-PS - Border Patrol Dog title

SPZ - Rescue Dog

SPZ2 - Highest Level Rescue Dog

SLP - Snow Resuce Dog



* Ratings *

Vyborny - "V" Excellent

Velmi Dobry - Very Good


SG - The highest show rating for a GSD under the age of 2!


Dobry - Good

Dobra - Good

Trida - Class selected to the 1st class or 2nd class

Chov - Champion

Dozivotne - Selected to a breed class for life

Bonitacni Karta - Breed Survey
Series of letters and numbers to describe a dog

Full Bonitacion - A complete breed survey




* International Working Titles *

 

 Mistr. CR - Czech Working Champion

Mistr. SR - Slovak Working Champion

UM - Czech National Participant

UM CR - Czech National Champion

UM SR - Slovak National Participant

UMS FCI - National Participant for the World FCI team

UMS WUSV - National Participant for the World WUSV team

KRAJ. VIT. - Regional Show Champion

VIT. TR. - Czech Class Champion (Show)

Thank you for visiting Highlander German Shepherds located in the beautiful and historic Hudson Valley of Dutchess County, New York






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