Dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are not new problems for the breed, for which it’s hard to hold a “pure” breeder responsible. I am a GS lover, to be sure, but if it were a pure roll of the dice today... I would far prefer to own an “impure” GS. (Like my long deceased shepherd-collie mix!)
Very best to all frllow dog-loving FRiends (and wasn’t there a ping list?)
Golux
I got my Sheltie from a "backyard breeder" whose philosophy is that the dogs she breeds are for pets, not for show, and so she breeds for health, not appearance. My dog was the product of two very healthy parents whose bloodlines show almost no inbreeding within many generations. My dog is the healthiest dog I've ever owned, bar none. Yes, he's a little on the big side, but I'm not worried about that. As far as I can tell, his siblings are just as healthy.
“shepherd-collie mix”
I’ve always wanted a Collerd.
Not just GS breeds, many others have genetic health issues. I’ve had 3 mini poodles CKC registered, all 3 developed cataracts frequent ear infections and cancer, all just lived about 10 yrs, and I take great care of my Fur Babies. While the mix breed Peekapoo lived to the ripe old age of 17, despite arthritis, deaf, and cataracts, lost him to a Stroke.
To much inbreeding for traits. I had all mine sterilized.