Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a big commitment. Before you make a purchase it's essential to conduct some research about reputable breeders.
Find out whether the parents of the litter have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and megaesophagus and also enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Ask about the breeder’s return policy. Reputable breeders will be willing to take their dogs back when they aren't compatible with your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable Breeder
The last thing you'd like to do is purchase an German Shepherd dog from a breeder who is not reliable. This is a big breed dog that requires adequate living space, as well as plenty 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 provide live webcams as well as social media pages or websites that allow you to observe the conditions of their homes. Look for sanitary bedding, a clean and absorbent floor that does not allow the puppies to walk or lay in their own poop and clean areas.
A good breeder can also describe the genetic diseases that are associated with this breed and the tests they are conducted for. This includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder should be able to explain what genetic disease testing they are performing and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only sell to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. Be cautious if you encounter a breeder who sells puppies at these places. It is against the law in many states, and indicates that the breeder does not take their responsibilities seriously, or has no interest in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This can be devastating to the breed and its future descendants. It is also a waste of money. The puppies that you purchase are more likely to be sick, and may not have the personality you want in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and pack animals that are very active. They are great family pets and are committed to their owners. They may be cautious of strangers and show aggressive behavior if they believe that their owner is threatened or in danger. Early obedience training will help to ensure your dog doesn't act inappropriately.
Like all breeds, certain health issues are more common in certain German Shepherds than others. Breeders who are responsible should conduct the necessary health checks to avoid the spread of disease. Breeders should also be honest about the results of these tests and should be capable of answering any questions you may have regarding the health of your puppy.
Some of the most common health issues that can be affecting German Shepherds are hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and spinal stenosis. Inbreeding caused these issues in the beginning of the breed, but responsible breeders are now working to limit their incidence.
Hemangiosarcoma is another issue that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth that occurs in blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is most often found in the spleen and heart, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, difficulty breathing, weight loss and anemia.
Like all breeds, it is essential to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can help reduce the chance of elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, degenerative spinal stenosis and Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, as it could cause stomach upset.
Make sure you are in good health with your pet
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy as well as an appropriate body. It should be playful, active and engaged in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as play and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a full appetite and maintain an even weight increase. It must also have a sturdier stool that shows an adequate digestion and intake of nutrients.
Observe how they interact with other dogs and littermates and their adult companions. They should be curious and playful but not scared or aggressive. A reputable breeder will provide you with evidence of temperament testing for the parents and puppies.
When observing the puppies, pay particular attention to their ears. When not in use, they should be upright and be free of discharge or bald spots. A reputable breeder ensures that their puppies have been vaccinated, dewormed and treated in accordance with veterinary guidelines.
The large, double-coated dogs can come in many patterns and colors. They typically come in black and tan, or white and tan, but they may also be liver or gray. Their outer coats shed all year and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be susceptible to ailments like elbow or hip dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune disease. A high-quality dog food and giving them regular exercise can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Also, ensure that the puppies have been appropriately socialized from a young age. This will allow them to become relaxed and comfortable around other animals and people, especially if they have grown up with each other. Introduce your pets slowly, particularly if you have cats. If they are not properly introduced to other pets when they are young, German Shepherds may become a bit bossy.
Check with your veterinarian for recommendations
Veterinarians are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for recommendations in your area. Also, inquire about pet groomers, dog trainers and other businesses related to dogs. You should also meet German Shepherd owners in your neighborhood and go to dog shows to speak to people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that shouldn't be rushed into. You'll have to consider the costs of grooming and food along with training and veterinary costs. Make sure you have a budget before you begin shopping for the right pup.
German Shepherds are lively and require a lot of exercise to keep them occupied. They may develop behavior problems like excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be very frustrating for pet owners. Training in obedience, exercise, and a routine for the day will help to reduce the energy levels of this intelligent dog.
German Shepherds, like other large breeds of dogs are susceptible to health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal diseases like degenerative myelopathy and hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, responsible breeders screen their puppies for these and other ailments and have made significant progress in removing genetic diseases that result from inbreeding.
You should plan your first appointment with your vet before you bring home the German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet will be healthy and ready to be a part of your family. The vet will also go over the training program and how you can assist your puppy in becoming an empathetic dog.
Check the reputation of the breeder
You should search for breeders that meet your top criteria in the case of the breed of German Shepherd. Request a recommendation even if they don't currently have a litter or offer the kind of dog you are searching for.
After you've found a breeder that meets your qualifications The next step is checking the breeder's reputation. schäferhunde kaufen will find reviews and feedback on their website or social media by other families who bought their pups and also from dog trainers and veterinarians.
Verify if the parents have been certified by AKC or OFA. If they do not have certification it could be an indication that the breeder does not consider health a priority or is not ethical.
You should also consider the breeding history of their parents as well as grandparents. This will help you determine the likelihood that your puppy will be affected by genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. It is a progressive paralysis of the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are willing to sharing their information with prospective buyers and will have the history of their breed on hand for you to review. Others may have a questionnaire you can complete, which will include questions about your lifestyle and home environment to ensure the puppy is comfortable in your care.
In general German Shepherds are at ease with other dogs and pets. However, they can become more territorial as they age. It is important to make sure that your German Shepherds are socialized at a young age. They can also bite when teething so be ready and be aware that this is not an signal of aggression. They are protective of their family and will bark if anyone is near your home.