Buy A German Shepherd: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly
Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
The purchase of a German Shepherd puppy is a significant commitment. Before you make a purchase, it's important to do some research on reputable breeders.
Find out if the parents of the litter have been certified free of degenerative myelopathy exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and megaesophagus as well as enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Also ask about the breeder's return policy. Breeders who are reputable will return their dogs if they do not fit into your lifestyle.
Find a reputable breeder
The most important thing you don't want to do is buy a German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that requires lots of space and a lot of play, training and exercise.
Look for a breeder that is transparent in its practices and allows you to see where the puppies are housed. The majority of reputable breeders have websites and social media pages or live webcams that allow you to view the living conditions. Look for clean bedding, sanitary areas and a clean, dry footing to ensure that the puppies don't walk around or lie in their poop.
A good breeder will be able to explain the genetic diseases that are common to this type of dog, and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder should be able inform you about the genetic disease testing they are conducting and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies in pet stores or markets. They will only sell them to a responsible owner that can take care of the puppy appropriately. If you see breeders selling their puppies in these places be cautious. This is against the law in most states and it indicates that the breeder does not consider their responsibilities seriously or is not interested in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This can be devastating for the breed and its future progeny. schäferhunde kaufen is a squander of money. The puppies you are purchasing will have a much higher risk of developing health issues and might not have the temperament or skills you would like in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack dogs who love to be active. They make great family pets and are committed to their owners. They may be suspicious of strangers and may display aggressive behavior when they believe their owner is being threatened or in danger. Early obedience training can help to ensure your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
As with all breeds, some health conditions are more prevalent in certain German Shepherds than others. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the required health tests to prevent the spread of disease. Breeders should be honest about the results of these tests and be able to address any questions regarding the health of their puppies.
Some of the more common health issues that can be affecting German Shepherds are elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. Inbreeding caused these issues in the beginning of the breed, but responsible breeders are now working hard to reduce their frequency.
Hemangiosarcoma is another issue that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth in blood vessels in the lungs or other organs. It is typically located in the spleen or heart, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, trouble breathing, weight loss and anemia.
As with all breeds, it is crucial to provide your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as Von Willebrand's disease. Also, it is best to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or bones from animals, which could lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Check the health of your dog's health.
A German Shepherd puppy should have a well-proportioned body, dense coat and healthy eyes. It should be active, playful, and able engage in appropriate activities for its age such as play and brief bursts exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a large appetite and maintain a steady gain in weight. It must also have a sturdier stool that shows proper digestion and nutrient intake.
Observe the way they interact with their littermates as well as other dogs and humans, including adults. They should be curious and playful but not aggressive or fearful. A reputable breeder must provide the documentation of temperament tests for puppies and parents.
When observing the puppies, pay close attention to their ears. When not in use, they should be upright and free of discharge or bald spots. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and vaccinated as per veterinary recommendations.
These massive, double coated dogs come in many colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, all-black or white and tan, but may also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed throughout the year and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they may be susceptible to issues such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune diseases. A healthy, high-quality dog food and regular exercise can decrease the chance of developing these diseases.
Additionally, make sure the puppies have been appropriately socialized from an early age. This will help them become comfortable and secure with other pets and people, especially if they have been raised together. If you have other pets such as cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. German Shepherds can become a bit bossy with other pets if they have not been properly introduced at an early age.
Check with your veterinarian for suggestions
Veterinary professionals are an excellent source of information about ethical breeders. Ask veterinary professionals for recommendations in your local area. Also, ask pet groomers, dog trainers, and other dog-related businesses. You should also meet German Shepherd owners in your neighborhood and go to dog shows to talk to people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that shouldn't be made on the spur of the moment. You'll have to think about the costs of food, grooming, and training, as well as the potential cost of vet care and other unexpected expenses. Make sure you have a budget before you begin looking to find the perfect puppy.
Due to their herding instinct, German Shepherds have lots of energy and need plenty of activities to keep them busy and entertained. They can develop behavioral issues like excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be a source of frustration for owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a regular schedule can aid in calming the energy of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to health conditions like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They also are at risk of developing spinal diseases like hemangiosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their pups for these and other diseases and have made huge advancements in removing genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
You should schedule your first appointment with your veterinarian before you bring home the German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and ready to join your family. You should also discuss a plan for training and ways to help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Check the reputation of the breeder
You should search for a breeder that shares your top requirements when it comes to a German Shepherd. If they don't have puppies in the womb at present or don't have the kind of puppy you're looking for If you're not sure, ask for a reference to a different breeder that has.
After you've found a breeder who matches your criteria, it's time to start investigating the breeder's reputation. Look for reviews on their website and on social media from other families that have purchased their puppies and comments from veterinarians and trainers.
Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't have certifications this could indicate that the breeder isn't ethical, or doesn't put health first.
You should also consider the breeding background of their parents and grandparents. This will help you determine if your puppy is likely to develop genetic disorders like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralization disorder of the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders are willing to share their breed's history with prospective buyers. They will also have a history of the breed available to look over. There may be a questionnaire you can fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure that the puppy will be happy in your care.
In general, German Shepherds are friendly towards other dogs and pets however, they can become territorial as they get older and it's crucial to socialize the breed from a young age. They can also bite when they're teething, so be prepared and know that this isn't an signal of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family members and will bark to alert you when anyone is near the home.