Education

Below you will find information about the German Shepherd Dog breed as well as important health screenings and what they mean.

About the Breed

Generally considered dogkind's finest all-purpose worker, the German Shepherd Dog is a large, agile, muscular dog of noble character and high intelligence. Loyal, confident, courageous, and steady, the German Shepherd is truly a dog lover's delight. German Shepherd Dogs can stand as high as 26 inches at the shoulder and, when viewed in outline, presents a picture of smooth, graceful curves rather than angles. The natural gait is a free-and-easy trot, but they can turn it up a notch or two and reach great speeds. There are many reasons why German Shepherds stand in the front rank of canine royalty, but experts say their defining attribute is character: loyalty, courage, confidence, the ability to learn commands for many tasks, and the willingness to put their life on the line in defense of loved ones. German Shepherds will be gentle family pets and steadfast guardians, but, the breed standard says, there's a 'certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.' American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shepherd-dog/

What is DM clear and why do I care if my puppy’s parents are DM clear?

Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) is a progressive, incurable neurological disease that affects the spinal cord and destroys muscle coordination. It is also known as chronic degenerative radiculomyelopathy (CDRM). The disease results in slowly progressive hind limb weakness and paralysis. As the disease progresses the dog’s mobility becomes severely restricted making it even difficult to stand. It may also become difficult to control urination and defecation.

A genetic mutation has been identified as a major risk factor for DM. DNA testing can identify if dogs are DM clear (two normal copies of the gene), a DM carrier (one normal copy and one abnormal copy of the gene), and at risk for DM (two copies of the mutated abnormal gene). Dogs with two copies of the mutated gene are at a much higher risk of developing DM.

Buying a puppy with DM clear parents means the puppy is extremely unlikely to develop degenerative myelopathy in the future.

What does ‘Embark clear’ mean?

Embark is a trusted and reputable dog DNA testing company that screens for 255 genetic health risks. It helps to identify potential drug sensitivities, degenerative diseases, bleeding tendencies, and so much more. Some of the genetic conditions tested include breed-relevant conditions such as degenerative myelopathy, multiple drug sensitivity, platelet factor X receptor deficiency, and more. Embark clear means that the dog tested is not at increased risk for the 255 health conditions that Embark tests; they are clear of all genetic conditions tested. A puppy with Embark clear parents means a much lower chance of developing health conditions later.

What does MDR1 clear mean?

Included in the Embark genetic screening, MDR1 clear means the dog does not have a mutation of the ABCB1 gene. If present this gene may create a sensitivity to certain classes of drugs such as the parasiticide ivermectin (found in de-wormers), anti-cancer medications, and gastroprotectants. A puppy with MDR1 clear parents means they are much less likely to have drug sensitivities.