Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is an expensive and emotional purchase. Doing your research ahead of time can save you from costly errors.
Ask your local veterinarians about ethical breeders. Also, make sure you and your family are committed to daily walks or playtime as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds need exercise to avoid frustration and boredom, which can cause chewed shoes or furniture.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
You'll want to find a breeder who is knowledgeable and responsible. This means they'll be honest about their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They'll also take care not to produce puppies with genetic diseases.
You can locate credible breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations, or looking through the websites of dog clubs and events. Breeders usually have a place where they keep their dogs and also offer classes for training at an additional cost. This is a good way to get your puppy socialized and get started on basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder who breeds for temperament and health rather than coat color. A reputable breeder will adhere to strict breeding standards and test for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also certify their puppies' health by conducting DNA and orthopedic tests.
Some red flags to look for are breeders who don't provide regular preventive measures like deworming or vaccines or claims that their supplements are better than those recommended by your veterinarian. Also be cautious of a breeder that requires you to sign contracts that contain terms you're not comfortable with.
It is important to recognize that breeders who raise puppies for a living, have a huge responsibility. They have a lot of people who rely on them to provide high-quality puppies. Breeders who don't follow high-quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you choose a backyard breeder, you may end having a dog that is unhealthy and unstable in behavior. These dogs often end up on message boards and online forums asking for help with the myriad of health and temperament issues they face. A mediocre or backyard breeder has little knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. Usually they are just looking to make money, not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder trains their dogs in meaningful settings apart from basic obedience. They will train and name their dogs for Schutzhund or other events of performance.
Consult with local veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They were bred as herding dogs and often work for the police and military as service dogs however, they also make loyal pets for families. They are susceptible to boredom and need lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of time and space to play.
Before you get a German Shepherd, talk to local vets for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians have a lot of contacts with pet care professionals, such as shelters and private owners. They will know the best breeders in your locality. Ask them about any genetic disorders that are common to the breed. It is important to inquire about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
If you reside in New York, there are numerous top-of-the-line animal hospitals with staffs who specialize in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities are equipped with the latest equipment and their staff is trained to treat a variety and conditions that are common in this breed.
You should also look into contacting the local German Shepherd breed clubs. These groups have lists of dog breeders who are reputable and can direct you in the right directions. You can also find out if the breeder has had their parents tested for common genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a common issue in German Shepherds. The hip joint doesn't fit perfectly. This can lead to painful arthritis later in life. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and use only those with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is another issue that affects the breed. A good breeder will test both parents for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), Valvular Heart Disease, as well as heart murmurs.
You should never buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder that can't provide proof of health testing for both parents. This is a red flag that the breeder may not be following strict breeding practices. It's also not healthy to transport puppies over long distances. This can lead to respiratory problems and stress.
Find a breeder with a specialization
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts and love of training, which makes them excellent working dogs. They also make good guard dogs and are well-known for their loyalty to family members. However, this protectiveness could turn violent in the event that the dog isn't properly trained and socialized in its early years. The breed is active and requires plenty of exercise in order to avoid becoming bored. This can lead to behaviour problems like chewing furniture or barking. It is crucial to select the right dog for your lifestyle and the environment.
If you are looking to find a German Shepherd puppy, consider speaking with local veterinarians to get recommendations of ethical breeders. Veterinarians work closely with a range of animal care-givers, including shelters, breeders, and private owners, so they are often in the best position to give suggestions on where to find high-quality German Shepherds.
Find deutscher schäferhund pflege who has a good relationship with their breeding stock and is willing to communicate with potential buyers. A responsible breeder is willing to answer questions regarding health testing, early socialization, and the environment in which their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder will offer a health certificate for each puppy they sell, describing the pup's genetic history. This includes hereditary diseases that are common to the breed, like megaesophagus or exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. Additionally, you will be provided with a an inventory of recommended vaccines and medicines that you should follow to reduce the risk of developing disease.
It is essential that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will help your veterinarian spot any potential problems before they become serious and can avoid issues such as skin issues, bloat and heart disease. It is crucial to use a stethoscope listen to your heart and to examine an X-ray of the chest when conducting routine exams.
German Shepherds can last up to 12 years with the proper care. Before you buy one, ensure that you are able to afford it financially, and have the time to it. Also, consider whether you have the space needed to house a large dog, and be prepared for the cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment and crates.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to Early Training
German Shepherds are working dogs that have the ability to protect themselves and a natural need to herd. They are also quite frightened - which is why they make excellent military and police dogs. However, these characteristics can be problematic in the home of a dog. For example, they may attack vehicles or bark at people if they are afraid. They can also be prone to biting.
You can address these issues by choosing the puppy with the right temperament. It is still necessary to devote time and effort during the early stages of training. This includes housetraining and dealing with food aggression (GSDs are guardians of their food).
Your German Shepherd must be active in order to ensure that they are well-trained. This could mean long hikes, jogs and runs and fetch games. Games for the nose and puzzles can help to stimulate their minds. They shed a lot and require to be groomed regularly.
The best place to begin in your search for an ethical breeder is talking to local veterinarians. They are knowledgeable about a variety of animals and can recommend ethical breeders as well as dog training. You can also speak to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your area.
When you decide to buy a GSD, make sure that the breeder offers health guarantees. This will help you in case of serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other ways to get a German Shepherd if you cannot find a trustworthy breeder. Rescue centres and animal shelters are often able to provide German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues might be available online. If you're planning to adopt a GSD through a rescue center, make sure you learn as much about the pup's background as you can prior to when you bring them home. This will allow you to determine if the dog will be a good fit for your lifestyle. Also, make sure to inquire about any behavioral or health issues the dog has experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs who will respond well to proper training if they've been properly socialized from the time they were puppies.