Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
The purchase of a German Shepherd puppy is a serious commitment. Before you make a purchase it is important to conduct some research on reputable breeders.
Verify if the parents of the litter have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine dysfunction and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask about the breeder’s return policy. A reputable breeder will be able to take their dogs back if they don't fit in with your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable Breeder
The last thing you want to do is buy the German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. This is a big breed dog that needs adequate living space and high levels of exercise, training and adventure to be happy and healthy.
Find a breeder that has transparent 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 allow you to observe the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean bedding, a clean and absorbent floor that doesn't permit the puppies to walk and lay in their poop and clean areas.
A good breeder will also be able to explain genetic diseases that are common to this type of dog and how they are screened 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.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only sell them to a responsible person who can care for the puppy appropriately. Be very cautious if you find a breeder selling puppies in such places. It is against the law in many 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 devastating for the breed and their future progenitors. It is also a waste of money. The puppies you buy will have a much higher rate of health issues and might not be the type of temperament or skill set that you want in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals who love to be active. They are excellent family dogs, and they are very loyal to their owners. They may be preoccupied with strangers and exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel their owner is in danger or threatened. It is essential to begin obedience training early to ensure that your dog doesn't act inappropriately.
As with all breeds, some health conditions are more prevalent in German Shepherds with certain characteristics than others. Breeders responsible for their breeding should conduct the necessary health tests to prevent the spread of disease. Breeders should be honest about the results of these tests and be able answer any questions about the health of their puppies.
German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. These ailments were a result of inbreeding that occurred at the beginning of the breed's life however, today, responsible breeders are working hard to decrease the incidence of these ailments.
Another issue that can occur with German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is typically found in the spleen and the heart, and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, difficulty breathing, weight loss, and anemia.
Finally, as with all breeds, it is crucial to ensure that you are providing your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can help reduce the risk of elbow and hip dysplasia, spinal stenosis degenerative and 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 the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy should have an ideal body proportioned to its size, a dense coat and healthy eyes. It must also be active, playful and be able to engage in age-appropriate activities like play and short bursts exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a hearty appetite and maintain a steady weight increase. It should also have firm stools that indicate an adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Observe the way they interact with their littermates and with other dogs and humans, including adults. They should be curious and playful but not aggressive or fearful. A reputable breeder should offer the documentation of temperament tests for parents and puppies.
When observing the puppies, pay special attention to their ears. They should be upright when they are not in a position to be active and be free of any bleeding or hair loss. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccined, dewormed and treated in accordance with veterinary guidelines.
The large, double-coated dogs are available in various patterns and colors. They typically come in black and tan, all-black, or white and tan but can also be gray, liver, or blue. Their outer coats shed all year round and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be prone to conditions like elbow or hip dysplasia, eye issues and autoimmune diseases. A high-quality dog diet and regular exercise can lower the chance of developing these ailments.
Additionally, make sure the puppies have been appropriately socialized from a young age. This will allow them to become calm and confident with other pets and people particularly if they've grown up together. Introduce your pets slowly, especially if you have cats. German Shepherds can become bossy when they are around other pets, especially if they have not been properly introduced at a young age.
Check with your veterinarian for recommendations
Veterinary professionals are an excellent source of information regarding ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for recommendations in your area. Also, inquire about pet groomers, dog trainers and other businesses that deal with dogs. You should also talk to German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to speak to people who know the breed.
A puppy is an investment that should not be made on the spur of the moment. You will need to consider the costs of food, grooming, and training, in addition to the potential costs of vet care and other unexpected expenses. Before you start shopping for a puppy, ensure you have a set budget.
Because of their herding instinct German Shepherds are full of energy and have plenty of things to do to keep them busy and engaged. If they don't, they can have behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or chewing on furniture which can be a hassle for their owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a daily routine will aid in calming the temperament of this intelligent dog.
German Shepherds, like many large breeds of dogs are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to spinal diseases like degenerative myelopathy and hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their puppies for these and other diseases and have made significant advancements in removing genetic diseases due to inbreeding.
It is recommended to 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 become a member of your family. You will also talk about a program for training and how to aid your puppy to become well-adjusted and happy.
Check the Breeder's Reputation
Ideally, you should find a breeder who has the same top qualities as you for the perfect German Shepherd. If they don't have puppies currently available or don't have the kind of puppy you're seeking Ask for a recommendation to a breeder who does.
You can verify the reputation of a breeder when you've found one that matches your needs. Check for king shepherd kaufen on their website and social media from other families that have purchased their pups and feedback from trainers and veterinarians.
Verify if the parents have been certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't it could be a sign the breeder isn't ethical or does not put health first.
You should also look at the breeding background of their parents and grandparents. This will allow you to determine if your puppy is likely to be affected by genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. This is an ongoing 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 the breed on hand for you to review. There may be a questionnaire for you to fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and home environment to ensure the puppy will be happy in your care.
As a general rule, German Shepherds are friendly towards animals and other dogs however, they can become territorial as they age therefore it's essential to socialize them at an early age. In addition, they tend to bite when they're trying to teeth so you should be prepared for this and know that it's not an indication of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family members and will bark to alert you if someone is in the vicinity of the house.