Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is an enormous commitment. It is important to find the best breeders before making a purchase.
Find out whether the litter's parents have been confirmed to be free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction as well as enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Reputable breeders are willing to return their dogs if they don't match your lifestyle.
Find a reputable breeder
The most important thing you don't want to do is purchase a German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. This is a large breed dog that needs adequate living space as well as a lot of exercise, training and adventure to stay happy and healthy.
Look for a breeder that has transparent practices and allows you to observe where the puppies are kept. Most reliable breeders provide live webcams social media pages, or websites that let you see the living conditions. Look for sanitary bedding, a spongy footing that doesn't permit the puppies to walk and lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A good breeder can explain the genetic diseases associated with this breed and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must be able inform you of the genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder will never sell their puppies to pet stores or market. They will only offer their puppies to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. Be very cautious if you see a breeder selling puppies at these places. It is illegal in most states to do so. It also indicates that the breeder doesn't take their responsibilities seriously or has little interest in improving the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating for the breed and its future descendants. This is a waste of money. The puppies that you purchase are more likely to have health problems and may not exhibit the temperament you would like in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals that are very active. They make great dogs for families and are very loyal to their owners. They can become very suspicious of strangers and may show aggressive behavior if they believe that their owner is in danger or threatened. Early obedience training can help to ensure your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
Certain health issues are more common among certain German Shepherds. Responsible breeders should perform the appropriate health tests to help stop the spread of these diseases. A breeder should also be transparent about the results of these tests and be capable of answering any questions you have about the health of the puppies.
A few of the most frequent health problems that can affect German Shepherds include elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy, as well as spinal stenosis. Inbreeding caused these problems during the early days of the breed, however responsible breeders are working to minimize their incidence.
Hemangiosarcoma is a different condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth of blood vessels in the lungs or other organs. It is typically located in the spleen or the heart, and can cause a variety of symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, trouble breathing, weight loss, and anemia.
In the end, as with all breeds, it is crucial to provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can decrease the risk of developing 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 pet
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy and an appropriate body. It should also be active, playful, and able to engage in age-appropriate activities like playing and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy german shepherd Kaufen shepherd should have a satiating appetite and maintain a steady gain in weight. It should also have a firm stool that indicates the proper digestion and intake of nutrients.
Watch how they interact with other dogs and littermates including adults. They should be playful and curious but not aggressive or afraid. A trustworthy breeder will give you documentation of temperament testing for both the puppies and parents.
When you are watching the puppies, pay close attention to their ears. They should be able to stand upright when not occupied and should be free of hair loss or bald patches. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and vaccinated as per veterinary recommendations.
These large dogs with double coats come in many patterns and colors. They usually come in black and tan or white and tan, but they may also be gray or liver. Their outer coats shed throughout the year and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are known to be healthy, they can be susceptible to certain diseases, such as knee dysplasia or hip pain, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. A high-quality dog food and giving them regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Additionally, make sure the puppies are properly socialised at an early age. This will help them develop calm and confident around other animals and people, especially if they have been raised with each other. If you have pets of your own, such as cats, make sure to introduce them slowly. If they aren't properly introduced to other pets when they are young German Shepherds could become bossy.
Consult your veterinarian for suggestions
Veterinarians are a fantastic source of information on ethical breeders. Ask veterinarians for recommendations in your local area. Also, you can ask pet groomers, dog trainers and other dog-related businesses. You should also meet German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to speak to people who are familiar with the breed.
The purchase of a puppy is a long-term commitment and shouldn't be done on a whim. You will need to consider the costs of food, grooming and training, as well as the potential cost of veterinary care and other unexpected costs. Make sure you have a budget in place before you begin looking for the right pup.
German Shepherds are active and require a lot of exercise to keep them happy. In the event that they are not, they could have behavioral issues, such as excessive chewing on furniture or barking and furniture, which can be very frustrating for their owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a daily routine will help to reduce the temperament of this intelligent dog.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal disorders like degenerative myelopathy and hemangiosarcoma. Breeders who are responsible for screening their pups for genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
Before you take home the German Shepherd puppy, schedule the first vet appointment to ensure that your new pet is well-behaved and ready to join your family. You should also discuss a plan for training and ways to help your puppy develop into an adult dog that is well-adjusted.
Verify the Breeder's Reputation
In the ideal scenario, you'll locate a breeder who shares your top criteria for a German Shepherd. Ask for a referral even if they don't currently have a litter, or offer the breed of dog you are looking for.
You can verify the reputation of a breeder after you've found one that is able to meet your needs. You can find reviews and comments on their website or social media by other families who purchased their puppies as well as from veterinarians and dog trainers.
It is also important to determine if the parents are certified by OFA or AKC. If they don't have certification, this could be a sign the breeder isn't ethical, or does not put health first.
Find out the breeding history of the parents and their grandparents as well. This will help you determine the likelihood that your puppy will develop genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders are open to sharing these records with potential buyers and will have the history of the breed available for you to review. Others may have an application form for you to 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 can be friendly to other dogs and even pets. However, they may become territorial as they age. It is important to get them socialized at a young age. In addition, they tend to bite when they're teething so be prepared and know that it's not an indication of aggression. They naturally protect their family and will bark to alert you when someone comes near the home.