Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is an enormous commitment. It's important to research the best breeders before making a purchase.
Check to see if parents of the litter have been certified as free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus. Exocrine insufficiency, megaes Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask about the breeder’s return policy. reinrassiger schäferhund with good reputations are willing to return their dogs if their dogs do not match your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable Breeder
The final thing you should do is purchase the German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. This is a large-breed dog that requires a lot of space, as well as a lot of adventure, training, and exercise.
Look for a breeder that has transparent practices and allows you to observe where the puppies are kept. Most reputable breeders offer live webcams, social media pages or websites that let you see the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean bedding, a spongy footing that does not allow the puppies to walk and lay in their poop and clean areas.
A good breeder will be able to explain the genetic diseases that are common to this type of dog and how they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder should be able inform you about the genetic disease tests they are doing and how often.
A reputable breeder won't offer their puppies in pet shops or markets. They will only sell them to a responsible owner who can care for the puppy in a responsible manner. Be extremely cautious if find a breeder selling puppies at these places. This is against the laws in a majority of states, and indicates that the breeder does not take their responsibilities seriously, or is not interested in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be devastating for the breed and its descendants. It is also a waste money. The puppies you purchase will be more likely to have health problems and might not have the personality you want for your new pet.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent pack animals who love to be active. They are great family pets and are committed to their owners. They are often cautious of strangers, and they can even display aggressive behavior when they feel they are in danger. Early obedience training will aid in ensuring that your dog isn't acting in a way that isn't inappropriate.
Some health conditions are more common among German Shepherds with certain health issues. Responsible breeders should conduct appropriate health tests to stop the spread of these diseases. Breeders should also be transparent about the results of these tests. They should also be in a position to answer any questions you have about the puppies' health.
German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia as well as spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. These issues resulted from inbreeding when the breed was in its early years however, today responsible breeders are working to lessen the frequency of these conditions.
Hemangiosarcoma is yet another condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth in blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It usually occurs in the heart and spleen and can cause several symptoms like anemia and bleeding, weight loss and breathing problems.
As with all breeds it is crucial to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A properly balanced diet can lower the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative spine stenosis and Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, since this can cause stomach upset.
Make sure you are in good health with your dog
A German Shepherd puppy should have an appropriately proportioned body, a thick coat and healthy eyes. It must also be active, playful and be able to engage in age-appropriate activities like play and short bursts exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should be able to eat well and maintain an even weight gain. It should also have a firm stool that indicates proper digestion and nutrient intake.
Be aware of how they interact with their littermates and other dogs as well as adults. They should be curious and playful but not violent or fearful. A reliable breeder will provide you with evidence of temperament testing for the parents and puppies.
When observing the puppies, pay particular attention to their ears. When not in use, they should stand upright and be free of bald or discharge spots. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies have been vaccined, dewormed and treated in accordance with veterinary guidelines.
These large dogs with double coats come in various colors and patterns. They are typically black and tan, all-black or white and tan, but can also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed year-round and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds tend to be healthy, they are susceptible to certain ailments like knee dysplasia or hip pain eye issues, hip or knee dysplasia, and autoimmune diseases. Having a good quality dog food and ensuring proper exercise can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Additionally, make sure the puppies are properly socialised at a young age. This will help them become more relaxed and secure around people and animals especially if they have been raised together. Introduce your other pets slowly, especially when you have cats. German Shepherds can become a bit bossy with other pets If they haven't been properly introduced at an early age.
Check with your veterinarian for suggestions
Veterinarians are an excellent source of information about ethical breeders. Ask a couple of veterinarians in your region for recommendations, and consider asking pet groomers, trainers and dog-related businesses as well. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to become acquainted with German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to meet and speak with people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that should not be made on a whim. You'll need to factor in the cost of food and grooming and also the costs of training and vet care. Make sure you have a budget before you begin looking to find the perfect puppy.
Due to their herding instinct, German Shepherds have a lot of energy and have plenty of activities to keep them busy and occupied. In the event that they are not, they could have behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or chewing on furniture, which can be frustrating for their owners. Exercise, obedience training and a routine for daily life will help to reduce the energy of this intelligent breed.
German Shepherds, like many large breeds of dogs are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also have a higher risk of developing spinal disorders, such as hemangiosarcoma and degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible screen their puppies for genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
It is recommended to schedule your first appointment with your veterinarian before you bring home your new German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new puppy is healthy and able to be a part of your family. The vet will also go over a program for training and how to aid your puppy to become a well-adjusted dog.
Verify the Breeder's Reputation
In the ideal scenario, you'll choose a breeder that meets your top requirements for the perfect German Shepherd. Request a recommendation even if they don't currently have a litter, or offer the breed of dog you're seeking.
After you've found a breeder who matches your criteria, it's time to start checking the breeder's reputation. You will find reviews and feedback on their website or on social media by other families who bought their pups and also from veterinarians and dog trainers.
Verify if the parents have been certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't have certifications, this could be a sign the breeder isn't ethical, or doesn't put health first.
Look for a breeding history of the parents and grandparents as well. This will assist you in determining the likelihood that your puppy will be affected by genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
Many breeders who are reputable will be happy to share their records with potential buyers. They will also have the breed history available for you to go over. Others may have an application form for you to fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure that your puppy is comfortable in your care.
In general, German Shepherds are affectionate towards pets and other dogs, however, they can become territorial as they grow older so it's important to socialise the breed from a young age. They also tend to bite when they are teething so be prepared and know that this isn't an indication of aggression. They are very protective of their family and will bark when anyone is near your home.