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 important to do some research about reputable breeders.
Check to see if parents of the litter have been certified as being free from degenerative myelopathy and megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's Disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Breeders with good reputations will be willing to take their dogs back if they don't fit in with your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable Breeder
The last thing you'd want to do is buy the German Shepherd dog from a breeder who isn't reliable. This is a large breed dog that requires adequate living space, as well as plenty of exercise, training and adventure to stay happy and healthy.
Choose a breeder that is transparent in its practices and allows you to see where the puppies are kept. The majority of reputable breeders have live webcams social media pages, or websites that let you see the living conditions. Look for sanitary bedding, absorbent footing that does not allow the puppies to walk and lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A good breeder will be able to explain genetic disorders that are common to this breed of dog and the ways they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand Disease, and many more. The breeder should be able explain what genetic testing they are doing and how often.
A reputable breeder won't offer their puppies in pet stores or at markets. They will only sell their puppies to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. If you see a breeder selling their puppies in these places be wary. This is a violation of laws in a majority of 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 could be devastating for the breed and its future progenitors. This is a waste of money. The puppies you purchase will more likely be sick and may not exhibit the temperament you desire for your new pet.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack dogs who are very active. They make excellent family pets and are committed to their owners. They can be very cautious of strangers, and may display aggressive behavior when they feel they are in danger. Training in obedience early will aid in ensuring that your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
Certain health issues are more prevalent among German Shepherds in particular breeds. Responsible breeders should conduct appropriate health tests to prevent the spread of these diseases. A breeder should also be honest about the results of these tests and be able to answer any questions you might have about the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. These ailments were a result of inbreeding that occurred when the breed was in its early years However, responsible breeders are working hard to reduce the frequency of these diseases.
Another issue that may occur with German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma which is a type of cancer that affects the blood vessels in the lungs as well as other organs. It is often found in the spleen and heart, and it can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as bleeding, weakness, trouble 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 decrease the risk of elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and dysplasia as well as Von Willebrand's disease. Also, it is best to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, which can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Examine the health of the dogs
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy, as well as a body that is proportionate. It should also be active, playful and be able to engage in age-appropriate activities such as playing and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a satiating appetite and continue to gain in weight. It should also have strong stool that shows the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Watch how they interact with other dogs and their littermates, including adults. They should be curious and playful but not aggressive or afraid. A reputable breeder will provide documentation of temperament testing for the puppies and parents.
When observing the puppies, pay close attention to their ears. When they are not in use, they should stand straight and free of bald or discharge spots. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccined, dewormed and treated in accordance with veterinary guidelines.
These large, double-coated dogs can come in a variety of patterns and colors. They usually come in black and tan or white and tan. They can also be liver or gray. Their outer coats shed throughout the year long and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be prone to conditions like elbow or hip dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune disease. A good quality dog diet and regular exercise can reduce the chance of developing these ailments.
Also make sure that the puppies are socialized properly from a young age. This will help them become relaxed and comfortable with other pets and people, especially if they have been raised with each other. If you have other pets, such as cats, make sure to introduce them slowly. If they aren't properly introduced to other pets at a young stage German Shepherds could become bossy.
Talk to your veterinarian about recommendations
Veterinarians are a fantastic source of information regarding ethical breeders. Consult a few vets in your area to get recommendations, and also consider asking groomers, trainers, and dog-related businesses as well. 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.
Getting a puppy is a long-term commitment and shouldn't be made on the spur of the moment. You'll need to factor in the costs of grooming and food, as well as the costs of training and vet care. Make sure you have a budget before you begin looking for the right pup.
German Shepherds are active and require lots of exercise to keep them content. If they don't, they can develop behavioral issues, such as excessive chewing on furniture or barking and furniture, which can be very frustrating for their owners. Training in obedience, exercise and a daily routine will help to calm the temperament of this intelligent dog.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are also susceptible to health issues like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and shoulder dysplasia. They are also at risk of developing spinal disorders like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their pups for these and other conditions and have made huge progress in removing genetic diseases due to inbreeding.
Before you take home the German Shepherd puppy, schedule your first appointment with a vet to ensure your new pet is healthy and is ready to be part of your family. You will also discuss a training program and ways to assist your puppy in becoming well-adjusted and happy.
Verify the reputation of the breeder
You should look for breeders that meet your top preferences in regards to a German Shepherd. If they don't have puppies on the ground right now or don't have the kind of puppy you're seeking Ask for a recommendation to another breeder that does.
After you've found a breeder that meets your qualifications The next step is checking the breeder's reputation. You can read reviews and other comments on their website or social media from other families that bought their pups and also from veterinarians and dog trainers.
Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they do not have a certificate this could be an indication that the breeder does not take health seriously or is unprofessional.
Find out the breeding history of the parents and their grandparents as well. 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 open to sharing these records with potential buyers and will have the history of their breed on hand for you to read. schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz may ask you to complete an online questionnaire that asks you questions about your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that your puppy will be happy under your care.
As a general rule German Shepherds are generally friendly towards pets and other dogs, but can be territorial as they age therefore it's essential to socialize them from an early age. They can also bite when teething so be prepared and know that this is not an indication of aggression. They are protective of their family, and will bark at anyone who comes near your house.