Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy is a major commitment. It is essential to research the best breeders before making your purchase.
Check to see if the parents of the litter have been certified as being free of degenerative myelopathy and megaesophagus, exocrine dysfunction and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask about the breeder's return policy. Reputable breeders will be willing to take their dogs back when they aren't compatible with your lifestyle.
Find a trusted breeder
The final thing you should do is purchase the German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that needs a lot of space and lots of training, adventure, and exercise.
Find a breeder who is transparent in their practices and lets you see the conditions in which the puppies are raised. Most reliable breeders provide live webcams as well as 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 around and lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A good breeder will be able to explain genetic diseases that are common to this breed of dog and how they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must be able identify which genetic diseases they test for and how often they test.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only offer their puppies to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. If you find a breeder selling their puppies through these outlets, be very wary. This is a violation of laws in a majority of states, and indicates that the breeder doesn't take their responsibilities seriously, or is not interested in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be devastating to the breed and its descendants. It is also a waste of your money. The puppies you purchase will have a much higher risk of developing health issues and might not have the temperament or skill set that you would like in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent pack animals who are very active. They are great pets for families, and they are very loyal to their owners. They are often cautious of strangers and display aggressive behavior when they believe their owner is in danger or in danger. It is essential to begin obedience training early to ensure that your dog doesn't act inappropriately.
As with all breeds certain health issues are more prevalent in certain German Shepherds than others. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the necessary health tests to avoid the spread of diseases. Breeders should also be transparent about the results of these tests. They should also be able to answer any questions you might have about the puppies' health.
A few of the most frequent health issues that can be affecting German Shepherds are elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. Inbreeding was responsible for these problems during the beginning of the breed, but responsible breeders now work to limit their incidence.
Another issue that may occur with German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma which is a cancer of the blood vessels in the lungs as well as other organs. It is often found in the spleen and heart, and it can cause a variety symptoms, such as bleeding, weakness, difficulty breathing, weight loss and anemia.
As with all breeds, it's crucial to provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can decrease the risk of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, since this could cause stomach upset.
Examine the health of your pet
A German Shepherd puppy must have a healthy coat and eyes, as well as a body that is proportionate. It should be playful, active, and able engage in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as play and brief bursts of exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a satiating appetite and maintain a steady gain in weight. It should also have strong stool that shows the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Watch how schäferhundwelpen interact with other dogs and littermates, including adults. They should be playful and curious but not violent or fearful. A reputable breeder must provide documents of temperament tests for parents and puppies.
When observing the puppies, pay close attention to their ears. They should be able to stand upright when they aren't in use and should be free of discharge or hair loss. A reputable breeder makes sure that their puppies have been vaccinated, dewormed, and treated according to veterinary recommendations.
The large, double-coated dogs come in many colors and patterns. They are usually black and tan, or white and tan, but they can also be gray or liver. Their outer coats shed throughout the year and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they may be susceptible to ailments such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye issues and autoimmune disease. Having a good quality dog food and giving them regular exercise can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Also ensure that your puppies are socialized properly from a young age. This will help them become calm and confident around other people and pets particularly if they've been raised together. Introduce your pets slowly, particularly when you have cats. If they're not properly introduced to other pets at a young stage German Shepherds could become aggressive.
Consult your veterinarian for suggestions
The veterinarians are a fantastic source of information on ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for recommendations in your local area. Also, you can ask pet groomers, dog trainers and other dog-related businesses. It is recommended that you meet German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your region to meet and talk with people who are acquainted with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that shouldn't be made on a whim. You'll need to think about the costs of food, grooming and training, as well as the potential cost of vet care and other unexpected expenses. Before you begin shopping for a puppy, be sure you have a set budget.
Because of their herding instinct German Shepherds are full of energy and require plenty of things to do to keep them entertained and engaged. In the event that they are not, they could develop behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or chewing furniture, which can be frustrating for their owners. Exercise, obedience training and a regular routine help to reduce the enthusiasm of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are also susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also have a higher risk of developing spinal disorders like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders screen their puppies for these and other conditions and have made huge progress in eliminating genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
It is recommended to schedule your first appointment with your veterinarian prior to when you bring home the German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and able to be a part of your family. You will also want to discuss a training program and how you can help your puppy develop into an adult dog who is well-adjusted.
Verify the reputation of the breeder
You should find breeders who meet your top requirements in the case of the breed of German Shepherd. Request a recommendation if they don't currently have a litter or don't offer the kind of dog you are seeking.
You can look up the reputation of a breeder when you've found one that matches your needs. You will find reviews and feedback on their website or social media from other families that purchased their puppies, as well as from veterinarians and dog trainers.
Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't, this could be a sign the breeder isn't ethical, or doesn't prioritize health over all else.
It is also important to look into the breeding history of their parents as well as grandparents. This will allow you to determine if your puppy is likely to be affected by genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralization of the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders are open to sharing these documents with prospective buyers and will have the history of their breed available for you to review. Some may also have a questionnaire you can fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure the puppy is happy in your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally very friendly with animals and other dogs but can be territorial as they get older and it's crucial to socialize the breed from a young age. Additionally, they are known to bite when they're in the process of teething so you should be aware of this and be aware that it's not an indication of aggression. They naturally protect their family and can bark to alert you when anyone is near the home.