RAEBARK SHEPHERDS

Background information, policies, guarantees, etc.

Raebark is a German Shepherd kennel established by myself, Rachel B. Clark.  I was  valedictorian of my high school class at Hamilton Heights High School in Arcadia,Indiana.  I received the degree of Doctor of  Veterinary Medicine from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, in 1973, but I am NOT practicing at this time.  While practicing in small animal veterinary medicine in 1976, I acquired my first German shepherd, a black/tan female named Wilshire's Radar Ravette. I personally trained her, and she obtained an AKC utility degree. Since that time, I have bred and trained German Shepherds. I have worked dogs in protection work and have put 28 AKC obedience/Rally titles on dogs including three utility degrees.

At Raebark, all puppies are raised to weaning age inside the home where they are exposed to cats, television, and the sights and sounds of normal living. Once they are of weaning age, they are moved outside where they can have more space and freedom. All puppies are fully vaccinated and dewormed prior to sale. They are individually evaluated as to temperament and structure. The vast majority of Raebark puppies become family pets although many could become  competitive obedience and agility dogs if their owners chose to do work their dogs in those areas. Raebark dogs are NOT bred to be extremely aggressive. They are naturally protective and suitable for home protection. However, they are not bred to be police dogs, as the qualities that make the best police dogs generally don't make the best pets.

Raebark breeding dogs are carefully screened for hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. It is my belief that as hard as a person tries, all bloodlines will still produce the occasional puppy with either minor or major dysplasia. Thus, if a kennel states it has never produced a case of hip dysplasia, I urge one to be extremely cautious dealing with that kennel. The fact simply is that if all German shepherd dogs are radiographed for hip dysplasia, some will have signs of hip dysplasia on the X-rays but never show any lameness due to it. If a kennel does not X-ray its breeding stock, I would suggest one choose one's pet elsewhere.

Part of a good breeding program is to evaluate the breeding stock and  their progeny in order to produce the soundest dogs possible. For example, I know of a German shepherd dog with OFA excellent hips that does not consistently produce good hips. My dogs are bred to be within the size standard of the German shepherd breed. The breed is a large breed, but not a giant breed. In general, the bigger the dog, the less agile he is.

Raebark German shepherds are bred to have correct, moderate structure with nice heads, dark eyes, and good ears. They are easily housebroken and obedience trained.

Training advice and recommendations are given freely. Any questions about the breed or medical problems in the breed will be welcomed.

RACHEL CLARK,  5602 East 266th Street, Arcadia, Indiana 46030
home phone 317-984-4439, mobile phone 317-460-0073