Frequently Asked Questions — German Shepherd
Complete answers to the most common questions about the German Shepherd breed, FCI pedigree, health, training, stud service and our breeding program. Based on direct kennel experience, not theory.
30 questions · 6 categories · Updated May 2026
BREED
About the German Shepherd Breed
Origin, character, dimensions and breed particularities — based on the official FCI Standard No. 166.
What is the origin of the German Shepherd breed?
The breed was officially founded in 1899 by Captain Max von Stephanitz, who registered the first specimen — Horand von Grafrath — and founded the Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde (SV). Purpose: a superior utility dog — intelligent, psychologically balanced and physically resilient. The founding principle "Utilitas ante omnia" guides the breed to this day.
→ Complete history and origin
→ Complete history and origin
How much does an adult German Shepherd weigh?
According to FCI Standard No. 166: Males: 30–40 kg / 60–65 cm at the withers. Females: 22–32 kg / 55–60 cm. Significant deviations constitute a standard fault.
How long does a German Shepherd live?
On average 9–13 years, depending on genetics, nutrition and care. Specimens from lines carefully selected for health (verified HD/ED) tend toward better longevity.
Is the German Shepherd suitable for a family with children?
Yes, if it comes from lines with balanced temperament and has been properly socialized. The protective instinct toward family is characteristic of the breed. Choose a specimen from lines with demonstrated emotional stability — not just beautiful morphology — and verify the puppy was exposed to children from the first weeks.
Can a German Shepherd live in an apartment?
Yes, provided it receives a minimum of 1–2 hours of physical and mental activity daily. It is a breed with high working drive; an under-stimulated dog develops destructive behaviors or anxiety. The dwelling matters less than the activity schedule.
What does balanced temperament mean in a German Shepherd?
A dog that does not react disproportionately to stimuli — neither excessively aggressive nor fearful. Alert when the situation requires it, calm otherwise. According to the SV standard, this requirement is mandatory, not optional. A psychologically unstable dog should not enter breeding.
→ FCI Standard No. 166 — Character section
→ FCI Standard No. 166 — Character section
PUPPIES
About German Shepherd Puppies
Documents, departure age, food, socialization and what you should verify before getting a German Shepherd puppy.
What documents should a German Shepherd puppy have?
Mandatory: official FCI pedigree (or submitted application), health booklet with complete vaccinations and deworming, registered microchip, veterinary health certificate, parents' HD/ED certificates and breeders' DNA test. FCI pedigree issuance may take a few weeks after litter registration.
→ Complete puppy documentation info
→ Complete puppy documentation info
At what age should a German Shepherd puppy leave?
It should not leave before 8 weeks — a critical period for behavioral development and socialization with mother and siblings. Ideally, departure is between 8–10 weeks.
What is the ENS protocol and why do serious breeders apply it?
ENS (Early Neurological Stimulation) is applied between day 3 and day 16 of life. Short exercises activate the nervous system during the critical development window. Result: dogs with greater emotional stability, superior adaptability and better stress tolerance.
What food should a German Shepherd puppy receive?
Super premium food rich in quality protein, formulated for large breeds: Royal Canin Maxi Puppy, Acana, Orijen. Proper nutrition in the first year is essential for bone and muscle development. Food changes are made gradually over 7–10 days.
How do I properly socialize a German Shepherd puppy?
Controlled exposure to varied stimuli between weeks 3–16: different people (including children), other animals, household and urban noises, different surfaces, vehicles. Exposures must be positive, without exceeding the puppy's stress threshold. An improperly socialized puppy develops fears and disproportionate reactions.
What is the FCI pedigree and why does it matter?
The official international document certifying a dog's origin, belonging to a controlled bloodline and compliance with the breed standard. Without a pedigree, there is no proof that a dog truly belongs to the breed. At Casa Di Arancina, each specimen has at least 7 verified generations behind it.
→ Why the FCI pedigree matters
→ Why the FCI pedigree matters
How much does a German Shepherd puppy cost?
The sale price of a German Shepherd puppy varies significantly depending on bloodline, parents' titles, health certifications and breeder reputation. On the market, a puppy with authentic FCI pedigree, HD/ED tested parents and applied socialization protocol typically sells for 1,500–3,500 €. Prices below this range should raise questions — they usually reflect the absence of tests, pedigree or genuine selection. Casa Di Arancina is not a shop and does not engage in commercial dog sales; the above information is indicative, based on the current European market.
HEALTH
Health and Responsible Selection
HD/ED, DNA, inbreeding coefficient and the criteria that differentiate a responsible breeder from a casual one.
What does HD A/B mean and why is it important?
HD (hip dysplasia) and ED (elbow dysplasia) are tested radiologically. Scale: A = absence of dysplasia, B = minimal changes, C = mild dysplasia, D/E = moderate/severe. Results A or B are mandatory for serious breeding dogs. Without these certificates for the parents, the risk of dysplasia in offspring increases significantly.
What is the inbreeding coefficient?
COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) measures the probability that offspring will inherit identical genes from both parents. The higher it is, the greater the risk of recessive genes. Below 3% = ideal; below 6% = acceptable. Responsible breeders calculate the COI of any pair before mating.
How do I choose a serious German Shepherd breeder?
A serious breeder demonstrates: registered FCI affix, HD/ED certificates with A or B results, DNA test, authentic FCI pedigree, at least one competition title for the breeding dogs and systematically applied socialization protocol. The absence of any is a red flag.
→ How we select at Casa Di Arancina
→ How we select at Casa Di Arancina
Why does a puppy from a serious kennel cost more?
The costs of an ethical program include: progesterone test, mating with males with international track record (including external travel), ultrasounds, super premium feeding, vaccines, deworming, microchipping, FCI pedigree processing and HD/ED tests of the breeding dogs. These reflect a real commitment to the breed.
Where can I verify the authenticity of a pedigree?
Through SV-DOxS (sv-doxs.net) or WinSiS-CAT for international SV pedigrees. Romanian ROI pedigrees are verified through CNGG. Any authentic pedigree has a unique traceable registration number.
→ Resources and databases
→ Resources and databases
TRAINING & TITLES
Training, Titles and Competitions
IGP, Wesentest, BH, Körung — what each means and why it matters for evaluating a breeding dog.
What is IGP and how does it relate to the German Shepherd?
IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshund Prüfung) combines tracking, obedience and protection. It is the trial that tests the complete dog — courage, stable nerves, working drive and obedience under pressure. IGP performance in the pedigree is the best indicator of the breed's real character.
What is the Wesentest?
The official temperament evaluation test administered by SV judges. It evaluates nerve stability, reaction to novel stimuli, courage and emotional balance. It is the foundation upon which all subsequent titles are built. A dog that does not pass it should not enter breeding.
What is BH (Begleithundprüfung)?
The companion dog exam — the first formal obedience level. It evaluates behavior in public, reaction to traffic and basic obedience before an authorized judge. It is mandatory before any IGP exam.
What is Körung and why does it matter for a breeding dog?
Körung is the official evaluation for admission to the SV breeding program — the most rigorous filter. A dog without Körung is not eligible for breeding in SV-affiliated kennels. It evaluates morphology, movement, temperament and health documentation.
What does V27 at the BSZS World Championship mean?
The BSZS (Bundessieger-Zuchtschau) is the most important breeding show in the world for the German Shepherd, organized annually by SV Germany. V27 places the dog in the top 30 out of hundreds of international participants — one of the most relevant references for a breeding dog. Pako von Hingabe's father, Cosmo di Casa Beggiato, achieved V27 at BSZS 2024.
→ Pako von Hingabe profile
→ Pako von Hingabe profile
STUD SERVICE
Stud Service and Breeding
The responsible mating process, progesterone test and WUSV regulations for proper breeding.
What certificates should a stud dog have?
Mandatory: HD/ED certificates with A or B results, officially registered DNA test, authentic FCI pedigree. Recommended: at least one formal exam (Wesentest, BH or IGP) before an SV or FCI judge. Without these documents, there are no real guarantees about the health or character transmitted to offspring.
→ Breeding selection at Casa Di Arancina
→ Breeding selection at Casa Di Arancina
What is the progesterone test and why is it mandatory?
It precisely determines the moment of the female's ovulation — the exact fertile window. Without the test, mating is done based on estimates that can completely miss the fertile period. It is performed 1–3 days before mating, at the veterinarian.
How many litters can a German Shepherd female produce?
According to WUSV regulations: maximum 4–5 litters during the reproductive life, with a minimum interval of 12 months between litters. Non-compliance affects the female's health and offspring quality.
What does it mean that a mating is documented?
Documentation includes: exact mating date, identity of both breeding dogs with pedigree numbers, progesterone test results and ultrasound confirmation of pregnancy. At Casa Di Arancina, every mating is registered and archived.
→ Documented matings at Casa Di Arancina
→ Documented matings at Casa Di Arancina
OUR KENNEL
Casa Di Arancina Kennel
Who we are, how we work and what makes the difference compared to a casual breeder.
What is the FCI affix and what does it mean for a kennel?
The affix is the official name registered internationally through FCI. Not every breeder has an affix. Casa Di Arancina holds official affix No. 4653, issued on 03.10.2023, through A.Ch.R., under FCI aegis.
→ About Casa Di Arancina Kennel
→ About Casa Di Arancina Kennel
What is SV Germany and what role does it play in the German Shepherd breed?
SV (Verein für Deutsche Schäferhunde) is the founding society of the breed, headquartered in Augsburg. Custodian of FCI Standard No. 166, it administers the SV-DOxS registry and organizes the WUSV World Championship. Casa Di Arancina operates according to SV rules.
Does Casa Di Arancina Kennel offer support after the dog has left?
Yes. Long-term counseling for nutrition, training, participation in CNGG competitions and family integration. We are active CNGG members and remain available for any question about the breed or the specific specimen.
How can I contact Casa Di Arancina Kennel?
Contact form, email contact@hlm.ro, phone or WhatsApp +40 756 403 323. We respond within 24 hours. Breed counseling is free and without any obligation.
→ Contact page
→ Contact page
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