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Our Goals for Sound German Shepherd Working Blood Lines

The German Shepherd does not even resemble the qualities of what the breed was created to be. This is due in part from a lack of understanding and direction from organizations and groups that promote standards for this breed, and other breeds here in the United States. Healthy Shepherds free from hip, back and neck problems, with stable nerves and plenty of drive are almost non-existent in this country today. It is my intention and promise to promote and maintain the highest level of breeding standards. It is also my desire to insure that integrity and good work ethics are preserved in the German Shepherd breed for the future.

Let me define a few terms in the statements above. When I refer to stable nerves I am referring to the ability of the dog to deal with stress. A dog with stable nerves will have options and is not forced to react in one mode only. A weak nerved dog many times acts aggressively when a stranger enters the dogs territory without due cause. Everyone has been in a situation where a dog charges the fence anytime a stranger approaches in a non-threatening manner. When he is stressed his hackles come up and he tries to look as large as possible with a great deal of posturing. This type of dog may nip or even bite a person without provocation because the dog has no other way of dealing with the stress of the person he has encountered. This could be classified as a dog with weak nerves. The term “fear biter” falls into this category of dog. Dogs who are bred from American blood-lines fall heavily into this category. Let me be very clear here that owner responsibility cannot be ignored whenever dealing with canine socialization issues. This is another area altogether where the breed has taken an unfortunate turn for the worse.

A working drive is an element that is almost non-existent in the American blood-line bred dogs today. An imbalance between drive and an unbalanced nervous system is a situation for disaster in terms of how a canine fits into society today. There are many characteristics that could be labeled as drive. To simplify the term, drive is an inherent characteristic that motivates a canine into certain behaviors. These behaviors were part of the inheritance from the original blood-lines and inbred for survival. These would be, for example, the drive to reproduce, to hunt for food, to fit into the pack, to defend territory, and many other characteristics that would fit into this category. Drive is essential for utilizing the canines capability to be an active participant in our society today. No canine without the proper drives will be a productive working dog.

With all of this said, I am determined to produce a stable, healthy, German Shepherd dog with plenty of workability and drive. The only way to do this is to start with European blood-lines that have proven themselves throughout the years. We will not breed to American Bloodlines. It is our hope and desire to enhance ones breeding program by selecting Agar as their stud. We will only breed to titled bitches that have had hips and elbows certified in addition to a suitable pedigree that will meet the common goals of the breed standard.