Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
The purchase of a German Shepherd puppy 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 certified as free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine dysfunction and Von Willebrand's disease.
Find out about the breeder's return policy. A reputable breeder will be able to return their dogs when they do not fit with your lifestyle.
Find a Breeder who is Reputable
The last thing you would prefer to do is purchase a German Shepherd dog from a breeder who isn't reliable. This is a large breed dog that requires a large living space as well as a lot of exercise, training, and adventure to stay happy and healthy.
Find a breeder who has transparent practices and lets you see the conditions in which the puppies are raised. Most reputable breeders have websites or social media pages or live webcams that allow you view the conditions of their homes. Be sure to look for clean bedding, sanitary areas and a poop-free footpad so that puppies don't wander around or lay in their waste.
A good breeder can explain the genetic conditions that are common to this type and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia as as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder should be able to tell you which genetic diseases they test for and how often they test.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only sell to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. If you come across breeders selling their puppies in these places be cautious. It is illegal in many 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 disastrous for the breed and its future progeny. It's also a waste of your money. The puppies you buy will more likely be sick and may not exhibit the personality you want in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and pack animals that enjoy being active. Our Web Site make great family pets and are dedicated to their owners. They can be very preoccupied with strangers and they may even show aggressive behavior when they feel they are in danger. Early obedience training will help to ensure your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
Like all breeds, certain health issues are more prevalent in German Shepherds with certain characteristics than others. Responsible breeders must conduct necessary health tests to prevent the spread of these diseases. Breeders should be honest about the results of the tests and be able to answer any questions regarding the health of their puppies.
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, and spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. Inbreeding is the main cause of these problems during the beginning of the breed, but responsible breeders now work to limit their incidence.
Another issue that may occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is most often located in the spleen or the heart, and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including weakness, bleeding, trouble breathing, weight loss and anemia.
As with all breeds it is crucial to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative spine stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. It is also recommended to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, which can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Make sure you are in good health with your dog
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy, as well as an appropriate body. It should be playful, active, and able engage in activities that are appropriate for its age, like play and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a satiating appetite and continue to gain in weight. It should also have firm stools that indicate an adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Observe how they interact with other dogs and littermates and their adult companions. They should be curious and playful but not too aggressive or fearful. A trustworthy breeder will provide you with the documentation of temperament tests for the parents and puppies.
Pay attentively to the ears of puppies while you watch them. They should be upright when they aren't in use and should be free of discharge or hairy patches. A reputable breeder will also make sure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and vaccinated as per veterinary recommendations.
These large dogs with double coats are available in a variety of colors and patterns. They are usually black and tan, all-black or white and tan but may also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed throughout the year round and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they may be susceptible to ailments like elbow or hip dysplasia, eye issues and autoimmune diseases. Having a high-quality dog food and giving them regular exercise can help lower the risk of these conditions.
Also, ensure that the puppies have been properly socialized at a young age. This will help them develop relaxed and comfortable with other pets and people particularly if they've grown up together. Introduce your pets slowly, especially when you have cats. German Shepherds can be bossy with other pets when they are not properly introduced at a young age.
Check the Veterinarian's Recommendations
Veterinarians are a great source of information regarding ethical breeders. Consult a few vets in your area for recommendations, and consider asking pet groomers, trainers and other dog-related businesses. You should also get to know German Shepherd owners in your neighborhood and go to dog shows to talk to people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is a long-term commitment, and shouldn't be made on the spur of the moment. You'll need to think about the costs of food, grooming and training, in addition to the possibility of costs for medical and other unexpected expenses. Before you start shopping for a puppy, ensure you have a budget.
German Shepherds are lively and need a lot to keep them occupied. In the event that they are not, they could develop behavioral problems, like excessive chewing on furniture or barking which can be a hassle for their owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a regular schedule can help to reduce the energy levels of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues like elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and shoulder dysplasia. They also are at risk of developing spinal disorders, such as hemangiosarcoma and degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
You should schedule 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 be a part of your family. It is also important to discuss a training plan and ways to assist your puppy to become a well-adjusted adult dog.
Verify the Breeder's Reputation
Ideally, you should choose a breeder that has the same top qualities as you for the perfect German Shepherd. You can ask for a recommendation in the event that they don't have a litter, or provide the type of dog you are searching for.
You can look up the reputation of a breeder once you've found one that is able to meet your needs. You can find reviews and comments on their website or on social media from other families who purchased their puppies and also from dog trainers and veterinarians.
Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't, this could be a sign the breeder isn't ethical or doesn't put health first.
Look for a breeding history of the parents and grandparents as well. This will help you determine the likelihood that your puppy will develop genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. It is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
Many breeders who are reputable are willing to share their breed's history with prospective buyers. They'll also have a breed history available for you to go over. Some breeders might require you to fill out an assessment form that asks questions regarding your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that your puppy will be content under your care.
In general, German Shepherds are affectionate towards animals and other dogs however, they can become territorial as they grow older therefore it's essential to socialize them at an early age. In addition, they tend to bite when they're in the process of teething so be prepared for this and know that it's not an indication of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family and will bark to alert you if someone is in the vicinity of the home.