Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a significant commitment. Before you purchase a puppy it's essential to conduct some research on reputable breeders.
Check to see if the parents of the litter have been certified as being free from degenerative myelopathy and megaesophagus. Exocrine insufficiency, megaes Von Willebrand's Disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Reputable breeders will be willing to return their dogs if they don't fit in with your lifestyle.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
The last thing you'd like to do is purchase the German Shepherd dog from a breeder who isn't reliable. It is a large breed dog that requires lots of space, and also a lot of adventure, training, and exercise.
Find a breeder that is transparent in their practices and lets you see the conditions in which the puppies are raised. Most reputable breeders have websites and social media pages or live webcams that let you observe the conditions of their homes. Look for sanitary bedding, a spongy footing that doesn't permit the puppies to walk or lay in their poop and clean areas.
A good breeder will explain the genetic conditions that are common to this type and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand Disease, and more. The breeder must be able inform you of the genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies in pet stores or markets. They will only sell to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. Be extremely cautious if find a breeder selling puppies at these places. It is illegal in a majority of states to sell their puppies. It also indicates that the breeder doesn't consider their responsibility seriously or isn't interested in advancing the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating for the breed and its descendants. This is a waste of money. The puppies that you purchase are more likely to be sick and might not have the temperament you desire in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals that love to be active. They make great family dogs, and they are very loyal to their owners. They are often preoccupied with strangers and they may even show aggression when they believe they are in danger. It is essential to begin obedience training early to ensure that your dog does not behave in a way that is inappropriate.
Certain health conditions are more prevalent among German Shepherds with certain health issues. Responsible breeders should conduct appropriate health tests to in preventing the spread of these diseases. use this link should be open about the results of these tests. They should also be capable of answering any questions you may have regarding the health of the puppies.
Some of the more common health problems that can affect German Shepherds include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and spinal stenosis. Inbreeding was responsible for these issues in the beginning of the breed, however responsible breeders now work hard to reduce their frequency.
Hemangiosarcoma is a different condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth in blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is most often located in the spleen and heart, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, such as weakness, bleeding, trouble breathing, weight loss and anemia.
Like all breeds, it is important to give your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the chance of elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative spine stenosis and Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, as it could cause stomach upset.
Examine the health of your dog
A German Shepherd puppy should have an appropriately proportioned body, a thick coat and healthy eyes. It should also be active and playful and capable of engaging in age-appropriate activities like play and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should be able to eat well and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have a strong stool that indicates an adequate digestion and intake of nutrients.
Be aware of how they interact with other dogs and littermates and their adult companions. They should be playful and curious but not threatening or scared. A reputable breeder should offer documents of temperament tests for parents and puppies.
Pay close attention to the ears of the puppies when observing them. They should be upright when not occupied and should be free of hair loss or hairy patches. A reputable breeder makes sure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed, and taken care of according to the veterinary recommendations.
These large, double coated dogs are available in a variety of colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, or all-black or white and tan but can also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed throughout the year long and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds tend to be healthy, they can be susceptible to certain conditions, such as knee dysplasia or hip pain eye problems, hip dysplasia, as well as autoimmune diseases. A high-quality dog diet and regular exercise can decrease the chance of developing these diseases.
Also ensure that your puppies are properly socialised from an early age. This will allow them to become more relaxed and secure with animals and people particularly if they have a history of growing up together. Introduce your other pets slowly, especially if you have cats. German Shepherds can become bossy around other pets if they have not been properly introduced at a young age.
Check with your veterinarian for recommendations
Veterinarians are an excellent source of information regarding ethical breeders. Ask veterinary professionals for suggestions in your area. Also, ask pet groomers, dog trainers, and other businesses related to dogs. You should also talk to German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to meet people who know the breed.
A puppy is an investment that shouldn't be made on the spur of the moment. You'll have to think about the costs of food, grooming and training, as well as the potential costs of veterinary care and other unexpected costs. Before you start looking for a puppy, be sure you have a budget.
Due to their herding instinct German Shepherds have lots of energy and require plenty to do to keep them entertained and engaged. They may develop behavior problems such as excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be very frustrating for owners. Training in obedience, exercise, and a daily schedule will aid in calming the energy of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are also susceptible to health issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal diseases such as degenerative myelopathy or hemangiosarcoma. Breeders who are responsible screen their puppies for genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
When you are ready to bring home the German Shepherd puppy, schedule the first visit to the vet to ensure your new pet is healthy and is ready to be part of your family. You will also talk about a program for training and ways to help your puppy become a well-adjusted dog.
Check the breeder's reputation
Ideally, you should locate a breeder who shares your top criteria for the perfect German Shepherd. If they don't have a litter on the ground right now or don't offer the type of puppy you're looking for, ask for a referral to another breeder that does.
You can check the reputation of a breeder once you have found one who meets your requirements. Check out reviews on their website and social media from other families that have purchased their puppies as well as comments from veterinarians and trainers.
It is also important to determine if the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they don't have certifications this could be an indication that the breeder does not consider health a priority or is not ethical.
Look for a 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 like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders are open to sharing their documents with prospective buyers and will have the breed's history on hand for you to look over. Some breeders will ask you to complete a questionnaire that includes questions about your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that your puppy will be content under your care.
As a general rule, German Shepherds are very friendly with other dogs and pets but they can be territorial as they get older so it's important to socialise the breed from a young age. They can also bite when they're teething so be prepared and know that this isn't an indication of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family and will bark to alert you when someone is in the vicinity of the house.