Does a German shepherd have any major medical issues?

No, not all.

The incidence of health issues in well-bred dogs is much lower than in the general population of pure bred dogs because the breeders of well-bred dogs take time to understand genetics and they breed for love of the breed and to better the breed, not to make a buck.

The problem is, as with all popular breeds, that there are too many back yard breeders and puppy mill breeders churning out dogs. Another problem specifically with German Shepherds is the attitude of many of the breeders competing in conformation. They've forgotten what a German Shepherd is and are breeding for fads in appearance instead of function.

Here's what to look for in a well-bred German Shepherd:

1. He has working titles in his pedigree. Schutzhund, obedience, tracking, herding, agility, any performance event.

2. Make sure he comes from OFA certified parents. OFA maintains a registry for hip structure and rates dogs according to a hip displaysia index. And make sure the parents have other health clearances, including CERF and cardiac clearances.

3. Meet both parents in the owner's home. How do they respond to strangers? Are they calm? Are they intelligent?