CHAPTER V 
Breeding and Rearing 
HE great demand for the Shepherd in America 
has induced the breeding of them in large 
quantities without due regard to proper selection 
and mating, and while this argues for a large dis¬ 
tribution and consequent growth in popularity, it 
mitigates against the production of quality, and to 
produce this in its highest form, it should be the first 
consideration and the first endeavor of every breeder. 
In time, of course, this will be brought about by 
natural conditions, for instance, a better general 
knowledge of the breed, thereby demanding better 
specimens; again through the large importations 
of good specimens and by the gradual improvement 
of American-bred dogs among the older breeders 
and exhibitors, who have been working with strains 
and individuals, and are acquiring a breeding knowl¬ 
edge that time alone can furnish. 
All pure-bred animals of high type and quality, 
especially in their outward form, are produced by 
in-breeding, and the Shepherd dog is a fine example 
of this scientific form of breeding. It must be borne 
in mind, however, that the faults must be given the 
same consideration as the extreme quality that is 
sought for. These faults will make themselves 
manifest in many and various forms; owing to the 
strong basic types of the different strains, there 
are inherent faults that are difficult to eradicate. 
Then there are the faults that are common to the 
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