Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a significant commitment. It is important to find reputable breeders before purchasing your puppy.
Check to see if parents of the litter have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's Disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. A reputable breeder will be able to take their dogs back when they do not fit with your lifestyle.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
The last thing you would like to do is purchase a German Shepherd dog from a breeder who is not reliable. It is a large breed dog that requires adequate living space as well as a lot of exercise, training, and adventure to be healthy and happy.
Find a breeder that has transparent practices and lets you know where the puppies are kept. Most reputable breeders offer live webcams social media pages, or websites that let you see the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean areas, sanitary bedding and a clean, dry footing to ensure that the puppies don't walk around or lie in their own poop.
A reputable breeder will be able to explain genetic disorders that are common to this breed of dog, and what they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must tell you which genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only sell to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. If you find breeders selling their puppies on these sites, be very wary. It is illegal in most states to do this. It also indicates that the breeder does not take their responsibilities very seriously or isn't interested in advancing the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating for the breed and their future progeny. This is a waste of money. The puppies you buy will be more likely to have a high rate of health issues and might not have the personality or the skills you want in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are highly intelligent, pack animals that are very active. They are great pets for families, and they are extremely loyal to their owners. They are often suspicious of strangers and may exhibit aggressive behavior if they believe their owner is being threatened or in danger. Training in obedience early is crucial to ensure that your dog does not behave inappropriately.
As with all breeds certain health issues are more common in certain German Shepherds than others. Breeders responsible for their breeding should conduct the necessary health tests to prevent the spread of disease. Breeders should be transparent with the results of the tests and be able to answer any questions regarding the health of the puppies.
Some of the most common health problems that can affect German Shepherds include elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy, as well as spinal stenosis. Inbreeding caused these issues in the beginning of the breed, however responsible breeders are working to minimize their incidence.
Hemangiosarcoma is another issue that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth of blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It's usually found in the spleen and heart and can cause several symptoms like anemia and bleeding, weight loss and difficulty breathing.
In the end, as with all breeds, it's important to provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can decrease the risk of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, and also Von Willebrand's disease. Also, it is best to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or bones from animals, which could cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Examine 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 should also be active, playful and be able to engage in age-appropriate activities such as play and short bursts exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a strong appetite and continue to gain in weight. It should also have a firm stool that indicates an adequate digestion and intake of nutrients.
Observe the way they interact with their littermates and other dogs and humans, including adults. They should be curious and playful but not threatening or scared. A reliable breeder will give you evidence of temperament testing for the puppies and parents.
Pay attentively to the ears of puppies while you watch them. When not in use, they should stand straight and free of bald or discharge spots. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed according to according to veterinary guidelines.
These large dogs with double coats can come in many patterns and colors. They usually come in black and tan, or white and tan. They may also be gray or even liver. Their outer coats shed year-round 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 disease. Having 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 appropriately socialized from an early age. This will help them be more calm and confident around people and animals especially if they have grown up together. Introduce your pets slowly, especially when you have cats. German Shepherds can be bossy around other pets when they are not properly introduced at a young age.
Consult your veterinarian for recommendations
The veterinarians are a fantastic source of information about ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for recommendations in your area. Also, ask pet groomers, dog trainers, and other businesses related to dogs. Ideally, you should also meet German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to meet and speak with people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that should not be rushed into. You'll need to think about the cost of food, grooming, and training, in addition to the potential costs of vet care and other unexpected expenses. Before you start looking for a puppy, ensure you have a set budget.
German Shepherds are active and require a lot of exercise to keep them occupied. reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund züchter may experience behavioral issues like excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be very frustrating for owners. Exercise, obedience training and a daily routine will aid in calming the enthusiasm of this intelligent breed.
German Shepherds, as well as other large breeds of dogs are susceptible to health conditions such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to spinal diseases like degenerative myelopathy and hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, responsible breeders screen their pups for these and other diseases, and have made great progress in removing genetic diseases due to inbreeding.
It is important to schedule your first appointment with your veterinarian before you bring home a German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and ready to join your family. The vet will also go over a training program and how you can assist your puppy in becoming well-adjusted and happy.
Check the Breeder's Reputation
You should find breeders that meet your top preferences in regards to a German Shepherd. Ask for a referral in the event that they don't have a litter, or offer the breed of dog you are seeking.
You can verify the reputation of a breeder after you've found one that is able to meet your needs. Look for reviews on their website and 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 certification this could be an indication that the breeder does not consider health a priority or is not ethical.
Check out a history of breeding of the parents and 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 in the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are willing to sharing their information with prospective buyers and will have the breed's history available for you to review. Some breeders might require you to fill out an assessment form that asks questions about your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that the puppy is happy in your care.
As a general rule German Shepherds are generally friendly towards pets and other dogs, but can be territorial as they grow 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 an indication of aggression. They naturally protect their family and can bark to alert you when someone is in the vicinity of the home.