Group 1 · Sheepdogs & cattle dogs
German Shepherd Dog
The German Shepherd Dog is an intelligent, loyal and eager-to-learn working dog that has served as a police, assistance and family dog for over a century. It needs a firm hand, plenty of exercise and, above all, work for its mind.
Health
These examinations come from the official breeding programme for the breed Duitse herder – stokhaar Duitse herder – lang stokhaar by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen (Animal Welfare Flanders). They apply to the puppies’ parents.
In short
Both parents must have 4 examinations:
- 2 DNA tests
- 2 X-ray examinations
The breeding programme also recommends 6 further examinations.
A sample for DNA tests can be taken either with a mouth swab or by a blood sample. To carry out the examinations, the breeder uses a vet or a laboratory. For each examination below, you can see from what age and how often it must be done. Ask the breeder for the results of both parent dogs.
Mandatory examinations (4)
-
Canine Scott syndrome (CSS)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ANO6: c.1934+1G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- SOD1: c.118G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Elbow dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- X-ray (CT may be recommended, but is not mandatory)
-
Hip dysplasia
X-ray once at least 1 year (laxity views: at least 6 months)
Official description
- Method
- X-ray: VD view and laxity view (Vezzoni or PennHIP)
Recommended examinations (6)
-
Collie eye anomaly (CEA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- NHEJ1: c.588+462_588+8260del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 3 (CLAD3)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- FERMT3: c.1349_1350insAAGACGGCTGCC
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Congenital heart disease
Heart examination once at least 1 year
Official description
- Method
- auscultation + if a heart murmur is present (from grade 1) echocardiography
-
Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- ABCB1: c.228_231del
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Pituitary dwarfism (PD)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- LHX3: a deletion of one of six 7 bp [GTGTTTT] repeats in intron 5
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
-
Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA)
DNA test once from birth
Official description
- Method
- DNA test
- Gene variant (for the laboratory)
- PRCD: c.5G>A
- Inheritance
- autosomal recessive
The breeding programme also contains the breeding advice for each examination and general rules on inbreeding, the number of matings per stud dog and the use of frozen semen. You can find these in the official document.
Source: breeding programme Duitse herder – stokhaar Duitse herder – lang stokhaar, Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, last updated on 10/07/2025.
View the official breeding programme (PDF, in Dutch)
A breeding programme reduces the risk of hereditary conditions, but does not offer a 100% health guarantee.
Translation of the Dutch breeding programme by Puppymakelaar. In case of any difference, the official document prevails.
This breed profile is not a breed sheet within the meaning of the Flemish Breeding Decree (Fokkerijbesluit). The legal rules for breeding this breed are set out in the official breeding programme.
Considerations when buying
According to the breeding programme approved by Dierenwelzijn Vlaanderen, these examinations must be carried out on both parent dogs: Canine Scott syndrome (CSS), Degenerative myelopathy (DM), Elbow dysplasia and Hip dysplasia. The breeding programme also lists these recommended examinations: Collie eye anomaly (CEA), Canine leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 3 (CLAD3), Congenital heart disease, Multidrug sensitivity (MDR1), Pituitary dwarfism (PD) and Progressive retinal atrophy – progressive rod-cone degeneration (Prcd-PRA). A puppy with a Flemish pedigree comes from parent dogs bred according to this breeding programme. Ask for the results of both parent dogs and compare them with the overview above. A German Shepherd Dog needs long walks every day, topped up with training, tracking or dog sports. Its double coat sheds all year and heavily when moulting; brush it a few times a week.
Questions for the breeder
- Have both parent dogs undergone all the mandatory examinations in the breeding programme, and may I see the results?
- What are the results of both parent dogs for Elbow dysplasia and Hip dysplasia?
- Will the puppy receive a Flemish pedigree from a recognised breed registry association?
- How are the puppies socialised before they go to their new home?
Breed-specific challenges
A German Shepherd Dog is watchful and strongly attached to its family. Without clear rules, socialisation and enough work it can become overprotective or restless. It learns quickly and loves working with you, which makes it a great dog for anyone who puts time into training. Choose a breeder who can show the results of the mandatory examinations of both parent dogs.
More background
General guides that help you understand this breed information and choose well.
