A lot of "pure German Shepherd" puppies sold here are crosses, and by the time the ears and the coat give it away the money is long gone and the family has fallen in love anyway.
Things people say to check at eight weeks:
- Ear set and skull shape, though ears often do not stand until four or five months and a floppy ear at ten weeks proves nothing
- Coat colour pattern and whether the black saddle is developing
- Front and rear angulation
- The parents, seen in person, together, at the seller's home
Honestly the last one seems to matter more than all the rest. Papers here mean very little.
What do you look at, and has anyone been burned? Say what you were told versus what you got.