Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a big commitment. Before you purchase a puppy it is important to conduct some research about reputable breeders.
Check to see if 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 with good reputations are willing to return their dogs if their dogs do not meet your needs.
Find a reputable breeder
The last thing you would like to do is purchase an German Shepherd dog from a breeder that isn't reliable. This is a large-breed dog that requires lots of space, and also plenty of training, adventure, and exercise.
Find a breeder who has transparent practices and allows you to observe the place where the puppies are housed. The majority of reputable breeders have websites, social media pages, or live webcams that let you observe the conditions of their homes. Look for sanitary bedding, a clean and absorbent floor that does not allow the puppies to walk and lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A good breeder will also be able to explain the genetic disorders that are common to this type of dog, and what they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease, and more. The breeder should explain what genetic testing they are doing and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only sell their puppies to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. If you come across a breeder selling their puppies in these places, be very wary. It is illegal in a majority of states to do this. It also suggests that the breeder doesn't take their responsibilities very seriously or is not interested in advancing the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating for the breed and its future progeny. This is a waste of money. The puppies you are purchasing will be more likely to have a high rate of health issues and may not have the personality or the skills you want in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack dogs who are awestruck by the activity. They make great family pets and are dedicated to their owners. They can become very cautious of strangers and show aggressive behavior if they believe that their owner is threatened or threatened. Training in obedience early will help to ensure your dog doesn't act inappropriately.
Some health conditions are more prevalent in certain German Shepherds. Responsible breeders must conduct appropriate health tests to help stop the spread of these diseases. Breeders must be open about the results of these tests and be able answer any questions regarding the health of the puppies.
Some of the more common health issues that be affecting German Shepherds are hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and spinal stenosis. These ailments were caused by inbreeding at the beginning of the breed's life However, responsible breeders are working to reduce the frequency of these ailments.
Hemangiosarcoma is yet another condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth that occurs in blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It usually occurs in the spleen and the heart and can trigger various symptoms, including anemia, bleeding, weight loss and breathing difficulties.
Finally, as with all breeds, it is essential to ensure that you are providing your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can help reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative spine stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, as this could cause stomach upset.
Check the Health of the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy as well as an appropriate body. It must also be active, playful and capable of engaging in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as play and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a satiating appetite and maintain a steady gain in weight. It should also have firm stools that indicate the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Watch how they interact with other dogs and littermates, including adults. They should be playful and curious but not too violent or fearful. A trustworthy breeder will give you documentation of temperament testing for the parents and puppies.
Pay attentively to the ears of puppies when you are watching them. They should be able to stand upright when they are not in a position to be active, and they should be free of discharge or hair loss. A reputable breeder will make sure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed as according to veterinary guidelines.
These large, double coated dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan or white and tan. They may also be gray or liver. Their outer coats shed throughout the year round and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are known to be healthy, they are susceptible to certain ailments like hip or knee dysplasia eye problems, hip dysplasia, as well as autoimmune diseases. A healthy, high-quality dog food and regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Also, ensure that the puppies are socialized properly from an early age. This will help them be more calm and confident with animals and people particularly if they have a history of growing up together. If you have other pets such as cats, make 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 an early age.
Talk to your veterinarian about recommendations
Veterinarians are a fantastic source of information regarding ethical breeders. Consult a couple of veterinarians in your region for recommendations, and consider asking groomers, trainers, and other dog-related businesses. You should also talk to German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to speak to people who are familiar with the breed.
Going Here is a long-term commitment, and should not be made on the spur of the moment. It is important to take into account the cost of food and grooming along with the cost of training and veterinary care. Before you start looking for a puppy, make sure you have a set budget.
Due to their herding instinct, German Shepherds are full of energy and require plenty of things to do to keep them happy and entertained. They may develop behavior problems like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. This can be a source of frustration for owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a daily schedule will aid in calming the energy of this intelligent breed.
German Shepherds, like many large breeds of dogs are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. They also are at risk for spinal diseases, such as hemangiosarcoma and degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders screen their pups for these and other conditions and have made huge advancements in removing genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
Before you take home when you bring 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 discuss a training program and how to aid your puppy to become a well-adjusted dog.
Be sure to verify the reputation of the breeder
You should find a breeder that shares your top requirements in regards to a German Shepherd. Ask for a referral in the event that they don't have a litter, or provide the type of dog you're seeking.
You can verify the reputation of a breeder once you've found one that is able to meet your needs. Look for reviews on their website and social media from other families who have purchased their puppies and comments from veterinarians and trainers.
Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they do not have certifications, it could be a sign that the breeder doesn't value health or is unethical.
You should also consider the breeding background of their parents and grandparents. This will help you determine whether your puppy is likely to be affected by genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralization disorder of the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are willing to sharing their records with potential buyers and will have the history of the breed available for you to look over. Some breeders may require you to fill out an online questionnaire that asks you questions about your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that the puppy will be content under your supervision.
In general German Shepherds are friendly to other dogs and pets. However, they may become territorial as they age. It is essential to get them socialized from a young age. They can also bite when they're teething, so be prepared and be aware that this isn't an sign of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family and can bark to alert you if someone comes near the home.