Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a big commitment. It is essential to research reliable breeders prior to making your purchase.
Check to see if the parents of the litter have been certified as free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask about the breeder's return policy. Breeders who are reputable will return their dogs if their dogs do not fit into your lifestyle.
Find a trusted 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 a large living space and high levels of exercise, training and adventure to stay happy and healthy.
Find a breeder who has transparent practices and allows you to see where the puppies are housed. Most reliable breeders have websites or social media pages or live webcams that allow you view the conditions of their homes. Make sure you choose sanitary bedding, absorbent footing that doesn't allow the puppies to walk around and lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A good breeder will be able to explain the genetic diseases that are common to this breed of dog, and what they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder should be able to tell you what genetic disease tests they are conducting and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only sell them to a responsible owner that can care for the puppy in a responsible manner. Be extremely cautious if see a breeder selling puppies in these locations. It is illegal in a majority of states to do so. It also suggests that the breeder does not take their responsibilities very seriously or has little interest in advancing the genetics of the breed. This can be devastating to the breed and its descendants. This is a waste of money. The puppies you buy will be more likely to have a high rate of health issues and may not have the personality or the skills you are looking for in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent pack animals who are very active. They make great family dogs, and they are very 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. Early obedience training will help ensure that your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
Some health conditions are more common among German Shepherds with certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible should conduct the required health tests to avoid the spread of diseases. Breeders should be transparent with the results of these tests and be able to address any questions about the health of their puppies.
German Shepherds are at risk of hip and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. These problems were a result of inbreeding that occurred during the breed's infancy However responsible breeders are working hard to decrease the incidence of these conditions.
Another issue that can occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of the blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is usually found in the spleen and heart and can trigger various symptoms, including anemia as well as bleeding, weight loss and breathing difficulties.
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 lower the risk of elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and dysplasia, and also Von Willebrand's disease. It is also recommended to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, as they can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Examine the health of the dogs
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy as well as a body that is proportionate. It must also be active, playful and capable of engaging in age-appropriate activities like playing and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a full appetite and maintain a steady weight increase. It should also have strong stool that indicates an adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Be aware of how they interact with other dogs and littermates, including adults. They must be curious and playful but not aggressive or fearful. A trustworthy breeder will provide the documentation of temperament tests for the puppies and parents.
Pay attention to the ears of the puppies when observing them. They should stand erect when they aren't in use and be free of any discharge or hair loss. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies have been vaccinated, dewormed, and treated according to veterinary recommendations.
These large dogs with double coats come in many colors and patterns. They are typically black and tan, or all-black or white and tan, but may also be gray, liver, or blue. Their outer coats shed all year round and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally thought to be healthy, they can be susceptible to certain conditions like hip or knee dysplasia eye problems, hip dysplasia, as well as autoimmune diseases. A high-quality dog diet and regular exercise can decrease the risk of developing these diseases.
Additionally, make sure the puppies are properly socialized at an early age. This will help them develop calm and confident with other pets and people particularly if they've spent time with each other. If you have other pets, like cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. German Shepherds can become a bit bossy when they are around other pets, especially when they are not properly introduced at a young age.
Check the Veterinarian's Recommendations
Veterinarians are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for suggestions in your area. Also, you can ask pet groomers, dog trainers, and other businesses that deal with dogs. It is recommended that you become acquainted with German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to meet and speak with people who are acquainted with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that should not be made on a whim. You will need to consider the costs of food, grooming and training, as well as the potential costs of medical and other unexpected costs. Before you begin shopping for a puppy, ensure you have a set budget.
German Shepherds are active and require lots of exercise to keep them happy. In the event that they are not, they could develop behavioral problems, like excessive chewing on furniture or barking which can be a hassle for their owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a regular schedule can help calm the energy level of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherds are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to spinal diseases such as degenerative myelopathy and hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their puppies for these and other ailments, and have made great progress in eliminating genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
It is recommended to make an appointment with your veterinarian before you bring home a German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and able to become a member of your family. You should also discuss a training plan and ways to help your puppy develop into an adult dog that is well-adjusted.
Check the Breeder's Reputation
In the ideal scenario, you'll locate a breeder who shares your top criteria for the perfect German Shepherd. If they don't have puppies on the ground right now or don't have the kind of puppy you're seeking Ask for a recommendation to another breeder that does.
You can verify the reputation of a breeder after you've found one that matches your needs. You will find reviews and feedback on their website or social media from other families who purchased their pups and also from veterinarians and dog trainers.
Check if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If altdeutscher schäferhund kaufen don't, this could be a sign the breeder isn't ethical, or doesn't put health first.
Look for a breeding history of grandparents and parents as well. This will assist you in determining the likelihood that your puppy will develop genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralysis in the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders will be willing to share their information with prospective buyers. They'll also have a breed history available to look over. Some breeders might require you to fill out a questionnaire that includes questions about your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that the puppy will be happy under your supervision.
In general German Shepherds are at ease with other dogs and animals. However, they may become territorial as they age. It is essential to socialise your German Shepherds from an early age. Additionally, they are known to bite when they're trying to teeth so you should be prepared for this and know that it's not a sign of aggression. They are very protective of their loved ones, and will bark if anyone is near your home.