German Shepherd dog

my gal is only 11mos old. i never thought it was required in the trial when i first went to see how trial runs.

when judge was checking tatoo of every dog i was totally surprised and scanning micro chips provided by the handler.

i'm trying to take her to club to start with the basic title so would i require to do one out of two.

if so which would be the best at this age.

if i get micro chips then should i need to buy scanner just for the trial purpose?

sorry, learning curve....

thanks good to hear.

if you tattoo, you will either have to use anesthesia or have it done in the thigh and then be able to teach your dog to show that area ( not so attractive in trial setting).. if you tattoo the ear, it hurts like crazy.. i have had and done a couple dogs when I've had them under for xrays..... we do pups at 7 weeks and they scream, i hate it, hate it, hate it!!

There is a good link on the USA website for a reduced price on a scanner... www.germanshepherddog.com

No need for any sort of anaesthetic either local or general for a tattoo at any age!

Takes a couple of seconds.

It is easier to do the younger they are as the ear is not quite so thick, but none of my dogs that were tattood at a year old have even needed a muzzle!

Tattooing a dog of this age in the ear can be a big deal if using the traditional pincher method of doing the ear tattoo.  There is much more vasculature in the ear of an older dog as opposed to a puppy, and the cartiledge is fully formed.  This makes the ear more prone to damage, infection and hematoma... which can cause the ear to go soft... than in puppies.  Sure, sometimes it works out fine, but other times there can be problems.  I personally would not do a pincher type ear tattoo in an 11 month old dog, and know some official USA tattooers who will not either, for the same reasons.

Doing a tattoo in the ear, or anywhere else, using a tattoo pen would be the best option for a dog of this age.

If you microchip for ID, there must be a scanner on hand. Some clubs provide these (usually borrowed from a breeder or vet friend), others do not.

Also, the permanent ID requirement applies only to purebred GSDs who's scorebook lists the dog as a purebred GSD.  It doesn't apply to other breeds, mixes, or purebreds who's scorebook says "mix".

Stone Manufacturer has nice .300 tattoo pliers kit where you can purchase 1 set of A-Z and 1 set of 0-9 for like $75 plus shipping from different companies. Then, you can use the kit to tattoo any dog/puppy you own now or will own later.  

I just got through tattooing a blk/red WGR show 15 1/2 mos old male last Friday, and did a 16 mos old black mostly working female just a few days ago. The hardest part-them not liking being restrained. They didn't react much to the 'clamping' and their tattooes are looking very clear and nice. I own both dogs, so I know how they reacted before, during and after. Proper placing in the center of the ear and not down where you're getting into the special  groves and ridges in the ear. They've got PLENTY of ear flesh at 6mos+ to do one appropriately with minimal problems.
Doing pups is a little touchier due to them being smaller and thus their ear surfaces being smaller, but it can still be done. Pups I've tattooed squeal when initially clamped, but have forgotten it within a few minutes after its done. We've never had issues with ears standing for tattooed ears, either. I've learned a system-one person holds the puppy and I alcohol the surface in prepping. Then I waste no time-I get the ear in one hand, place the tattooer in the appropriate position, clamp firm and release. Then I use a rollerball tattoo ink and quickly  fill the tattooed area liberally with ink, rubit in with a finger or two for a minute, and leave it for about a week like that-has worked fine every time.  No excessive bleeding or any problems yet. Always properly clean all equipment before and afterward with rubbing alcohol and put away dry.

I have heard of microchips migrating within a dog's system down into their chest area and other places as the dog gets older.  Never have to even think about such with a tattoo.

Male tattooed at 15 1/2 mos old last Fri-note green ink still noticeable in this pic taken 3 day after tattooing.

I had a male tattooed at well over a year, too, traditional clamp, no anethesia. I muzzled him because the tattooer was nervous, but I put him in a sit and held him still.  He whined for a moment and was fine.

I prefer to do the ear tattoo at about seven (7) weeks of age. I know the puppies scream when it happens, but within less than a minute they seem fine and have no recall of the event. I have tattooed a few older dogs, but did this when they were sedated for radiographs. I never tried to do this with an animal that was not sedated, but it can certainly be done.

Personally I think that one should use a tattoo and a microchip to identify every dog. I do see the day coming when the microchip will be acceptable to every club, including the S.V. but of course I cannot say when that will occur. The ear tattoo furnishes a quick reference that the dog has an identity and the microchip proves the dog is the one represented by his registration documents. 

Beyond club trials and shows, the combination of the tattoo and microchip offer a way to identify the dog if he is lost or stolen. I realize that tattoos can fade over time, and can be difficult to verify if the dog has dark pigment. Also, unless one has an official tattooer or veterinarian who can apply the tattoo, then one either does it himself (like I do) or makes arrangements to obtain these services.

There are official rules within the S.V. and the U.S.c.A. as to how the tattoo's numbers are generated and who is qualified to apply them. Due to the sheer size of the U.S.A. very few of us have access to a breed warden and official tattooer, so many of us apply them ourselves. In the end the outcome is virtually the same and it is affirmed if the cross reference between the registration, tattoo, and microchip are verified in writing by a veterinarian.

Best Regards,

Bob-O