Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
The purchase of a German Shepherd puppy is a serious commitment. It is essential to research reliable breeders prior to purchasing your puppy.
Find out if the litter's parents have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction as well as enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Also ask about the breeder's return policy. Reputable breeders are willing to return their dogs if they don't fit into your lifestyle.
Find a Breeder who is Reputable
The most important thing you don't want to do is purchase a German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that requires a large living space as well as a lot of exercise, training and adventure to stay happy and healthy.
Find a breeder who is transparent in its practices and allows you to observe where the puppies are housed. Most reliable breeders have websites, social media pages, or live webcams that let you view the conditions of their homes. Look for clean bedding, sanitary areas and a clean, dry footing to ensure that the puppies do not wander around or lay in their waste.
A good breeder will also be able to explain genetic disorders that are common to this type of dog and the ways they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder should be able to identify which genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies in pet stores or at markets. They will only sell their puppies to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. Be cautious if you encounter a breeder who sells puppies in these locations. It is against the law in most states, and indicates that the breeder does not take their responsibilities seriously or does not have a desire to improve the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be disastrous for the breed and its future progenitors. It is also a waste of your money. The puppies you buy will have a much higher rate of health issues and may not have the personality or the skills you want in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals that are very active. They are great pets for families, and they are extremely loyal to their owners. They are often preoccupied with strangers and they can even display aggressive behavior when they feel their owner is in danger. Training in obedience early will help to ensure your dog isn't acting in a way that isn't inappropriate.
Like 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 required health tests to stop the spread of diseases. deutscher schäferhund welpe kaufen should be honest about the results of these tests and be able answer any questions regarding the health of their puppies.
Some of the most common health issues that can be affecting German Shepherds are elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, as well as spinal stenosis. These ailments resulted from inbreeding during the breed's infancy, but today responsible breeders are working hard to lessen the frequency of these ailments.
Another issue that may occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of the blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is typically found in the spleen and heart, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and anemia.
Finally, as with all breeds, it is essential to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and dysplasia, and also 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's health.
A German Shepherd puppy must have a healthy coat and eyes and an appropriate body. It should also be active and playful and capable of engaging in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as playing and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a full appetite and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have a firm stool that shows an adequate digestion and intake of nutrients.
Observe the way they interact with their littermates and other dogs and humans, including adults. They must be curious and playful but not threatening or scared. A reputable breeder will provide you with documentation of temperament testing for both the puppies and parents.
Pay attention to the ears of puppies when observing them. When they're not in use they should stand straight and be free of bald or discharge spots. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed according to per veterinary recommendations.
These large, double coated dogs come in many colors and patterns. They are typically black and tan, all-black or white and tan, but they can also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed throughout the year and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are generally healthy, they may be susceptible to ailments such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune disease. A healthy, high-quality dog food and regular exercise can decrease the risk of developing these ailments.
Also, ensure that the puppies are properly socialised at a young age. This will help them to become more relaxed and secure around people and animals particularly if they have grown up together. Introduce your other pets slowly, especially when you have cats. If they aren't properly introduced to other pets in a young age, German Shepherds may become aggressive.
Review the Veterinarian's Recommendations
Veterinary professionals are an excellent source of information regarding ethical breeders. Talk to a few vets in your area to get recommendations, and also consider asking pet groomers, trainers and other businesses that deal with dogs. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to meet German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to talk with people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is a long-term commitment, and should not be a decision made on a whim. You'll have to consider the costs of grooming and food along with the costs of training and vet care. Make sure you have a budget in place before you start shopping around for the right pup.
Because of their herding instinct German Shepherds have lots of energy and need plenty to do to keep them busy and occupied. They can develop behavioral issues like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. This can be very frustrating for owners. Training in obedience, exercise, and a daily schedule will help to reduce the energy levels of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherds are prone to health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also at risk for spinal diseases, such as hemangiosarcoma and degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for genetic diseases triggered by inbreeding.
Before you take home a German Shepherd puppy, schedule the first vet appointment to ensure that your new pet is healthy and is ready to be part of your family. You will also talk about a program for training and how you can help your puppy become an empathetic dog.
Verify the reputation of the breeder
Ideally, you should locate a breeder who shares your top criteria for a German Shepherd. Request a recommendation in the event that they don't have a litter, or offer the kind of dog you are looking for.
You can verify the reputation of a breeder once you have found one who matches your needs. You can read reviews and other comments on their website or social media from other families who purchased their pups, as well as from dog trainers and veterinarians.
Check if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't have certification, it could indicate that the breeder does not consider health a priority or is not ethical.
Find out the breeding history of the parents and their grandparents as well. This will help you determine the likelihood that your puppy will be affected by genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are willing to share their records with potential buyers. They'll also have a breed history available for you to look over. There may be an application form for you to fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and home environment to ensure that your puppy is happy in your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally very friendly with animals and other dogs however, they can become territorial as they get older so it's important to socialise them from an early age. Additionally, they are known to bite when they're teething so you should be prepared for this and know that it's not a sign of aggression. They are extremely protective of their family and will bark at anyone who gets close to your home.