Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a major commitment. Before making a purchase it is important to conduct some research about reputable breeders.
Verify if the parents of the litter have been certified as being 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 match your lifestyle.
Find a trusted breeder
The last thing you want to do is purchase an 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 excitement to remain happy and healthy.
Find a breeder who is transparent in their practices and lets you know the conditions in which the puppies are raised. Most reliable breeders provide live webcams as well as social media pages or websites that let you observe the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean areas, sanitary bedding and a clean, dry footing to ensure that the puppies do not wander around or lay in their poop.
A good breeder can explain the genetic conditions that are associated with this breed and how they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease, and more. The breeder should be able tell you what genetic disease tests they are doing and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only offer their puppies to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. Be extremely cautious if encounter a breeder who sells puppies in such places. It is illegal in a majority of states to do this. It also suggests that the breeder doesn't consider their responsibilities very seriously or is not interested in advancing the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating for the breed and their future progeny. It's also a waste of money. The puppies you purchase will more likely have health issues, and may not have the personality you want in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, pack animals that are very active. They are excellent dogs for families and are extremely loyal to their owners. They are often preoccupied with strangers and may display aggressive behavior when they feel they are in danger. Early obedience training can help ensure that your dog isn't acting in a way that isn't inappropriate.
Certain health conditions are more prevalent among certain German Shepherds. Responsible breeders should perform the necessary health tests to in preventing the spread of these diseases. Breeders should be transparent with the results of the tests and be able to address any questions about the health of their puppies.
Some of the most common health issues that can be affecting German Shepherds are elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy, as well as spinal stenosis. Inbreeding was responsible for these problems during the early days of the breed, however responsible breeders now work to minimize their incidence.
Related Home Page that may occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma which is a type of cancer that affects the blood vessels in the lungs as well as other organs. It's usually found in the spleen and the heart and can cause a number of symptoms including anemia as well as weight loss, bleeding, and difficulty breathing.
As with all breeds it is important to give your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can decrease the risk of developing hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as 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 dog
A German Shepherd puppy should have an ideal body proportioned to its size, a dense coat, and healthy eyes. It should be active, playful, and able engage in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as play and brief bursts exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a satiating appetite and be able to maintain a steady increase in weight. It should also have firm stool that shows 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 aggressive or fearful. A reputable breeder must provide documents of temperament tests for parents and puppies.
Pay close attention to the ears of puppies when you are watching them. They should stand erect when they are not in a position to be active and be free of any bleeding or hairy patches. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed as according to veterinary guidelines.
The large, double-coated dogs are available in various colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, all-black, or white and tan but may also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed year-round and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are known to be healthy, they can be susceptible to certain conditions, such as hip or knee dysplasia eye problems, hip dysplasia, as well as autoimmune diseases. A high-quality dog food and ensuring proper exercise can reduce the chance of developing these diseases.
Also ensure that your puppies are socialized properly at a young age. This will help them develop comfortable and secure 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 are not properly introduced to other pets when they are young, German Shepherds may become a bit bossy.
Review the Veterinarian's Recommendations
The veterinarians are a fantastic source of information about ethical breeders. Ask a few veterinarians in your area for recommendations, and consider asking pet groomers, trainers and other dog-related businesses. Ideally, you should also get to know German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your region to meet and talk with people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that should not be rushed into. You'll need to factor in the cost of food and grooming along with the costs of training and vet care. Before you start looking for a puppy, ensure you have a set budget.
German Shepherds are energetic and require a lot of exercise to keep them content. They may experience behavioral issues like excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be a source of frustration for pet owners. Training in obedience, exercise and a daily routine will aid in calming the temperament of this intelligent dog.
German Shepherds, like other large breeds of dogs are susceptible to health problems such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal diseases like degenerative myelopathy and hemangiosarcoma. Breeders who are responsible screen their puppies for genetic diseases triggered by inbreeding.
You should plan your first appointment with your veterinarian prior to when you bring home a German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet will be healthy and ready to become a member of your family. You will also want to discuss a training program and ways to assist your puppy to become a well-adjusted adult dog.
Verify the Breeder's Reputation
You should search for a breeder that shares your top preferences in regards to a German Shepherd. You can ask for a recommendation in the event that they don't have a litter or don't offer the kind of dog you're seeking.
After you've found a breeder who matches your criteria It's time to begin checking the breeder's reputation. You can read reviews and other comments on their website or on social media by other families who purchased their puppies and also from dog trainers and veterinarians.
You should also check whether the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they do not have a certificate it could be a sign that the breeder doesn't value health or is unethical.
Find out the breeding history of the parents and their grandparents as well. This will assist you in determining the likelihood that your puppy will develop genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralysis of the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are open to sharing their records with potential buyers and will have the history of their breed available for you to read. There may be a questionnaire for you to complete that asks questions about your lifestyle and home environment to ensure that the puppy will be happy in your care.
In general German Shepherds are very friendly with other dogs and animals. However, they can become more territorial as they age. It is crucial to make sure that your German Shepherds are socialized from a young age. Additionally, they are known to bite when they're trying to teeth so you should be prepared and know that it's not a sign of aggression. They are extremely protective of their family, and will bark if anyone is near your home.