Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a significant commitment. It's important to research the best breeders before making a purchase.
Find out if the parents of the litter have been confirmed to be free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction as well as enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Find out about the breeder's return policy. Breeders who are reputable will return their dogs if their dogs do not meet your needs.
Find a Breeder who is Reputable
The final thing you should do is purchase a German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that requires adequate living space as well as a lot of exercise, training and adventure to be healthy and happy.
Find a breeder that has transparent practices, and lets you know the conditions in which the puppies are raised. Most reliable breeders have websites or social media pages or live webcams that allow you observe the conditions of their homes. Be sure to look for clean areas, sanitary bedding and absorbent footing so that the puppies do not walk around or lie in their own poop.
A good breeder can explain the genetic diseases that are common to this breed and how they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia, as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must inform you of the genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder won't offer their puppies in pet stores or markets. They will only sell to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. If you find breeders selling their puppies through these outlets be cautious. This is against the laws in a majority of states and it indicates that the breeder doesn't take their responsibilities seriously, or has no interest in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be disastrous for the breed and its future progeny. It is also a waste of your money. The puppies you purchase will be more likely to have a high rate of health issues and might not have the personality or the skills you would like in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent pack animals who enjoy being active. They are excellent pets for families, and they are very loyal to their owners. They are often preoccupied with strangers and exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel their owner is threatened or in danger. Early obedience training can aid in ensuring that your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
As with all breeds certain health issues are more prevalent in certain German Shepherds than others. Responsible breeders must conduct appropriate health tests to help prevent the spread of these diseases. german shepherd kaufen should be honest about the results of these tests and be able to address any questions about the health of their puppies.
A few of the most frequent health problems that can affect German Shepherds include elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. These issues were a result of inbreeding that occurred at the beginning of the breed's life however, today responsible breeders are striving to lessen the frequency of these diseases.
Hemangiosarcoma is yet another condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth that occurs in blood vessels in the lungs or other organs. It is usually found in the spleen and the heart, and can cause several symptoms like anemia as well as weight loss, bleeding, and breathing problems.
As with all breeds it is crucial to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A properly balanced diet can reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, as it can cause stomach upset.
Examine the health of the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy as well as an body that is proportionate. It should also be active and playful, and able to engage in age-appropriate activities such as play and short bursts exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a hearty appetite and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have a firm stool that shows proper digestion and nutrient intake.
Be aware of how they interact with their littermates as well as other dogs and humans, including adults. They should be playful and curious but not overly violent or fearful. A reliable breeder will provide you with evidence of temperament testing for the parents and puppies.
When watching the puppies, pay particular attention to their ears. When not in use, they should be upright and free of discharge or bald spots. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed as per veterinary recommendations.
The large, double-coated dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, all-black or white and tan, but may also be gray, liver, or blue. Their outer coats shed all year round and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are known to be healthy, they can be susceptible to certain ailments, such as knee or hip dysplasia eye issues, hip or knee dysplasia, and autoimmune diseases. A good quality dog diet and regular exercise can lower the risk of developing these conditions.
Additionally, make sure the puppies are appropriately socialized from a young age. This will allow them to become relaxed and comfortable around other people and pets particularly if they've spent time together. Introduce your other pets slowly, especially when you have cats. If they're not properly introduced to other pets at a young stage German Shepherds could become a bit bossy.
Review the Veterinarian's Recommendations
The veterinarians are a fantastic source of information about ethical breeders. Talk to a couple of veterinarians in your region for recommendations, and consider asking pet groomers, trainers and other businesses that deal with dogs. You should also meet 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 possibility of costs for veterinary care and other unexpected costs. Before you start shopping for a puppy, be sure you have a budget.
German Shepherds are lively and need a lot to keep them content. Otherwise, they may have behavioral issues, such as excessive chewing on furniture or barking, which can be frustrating for their owners. Exercise, obedience training and a routine for daily life will help to reduce the temperament of this intelligent dog.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are also 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 test their pups for these and other diseases and have made significant progress in eliminating 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 ready to join your family. You should also discuss a training program and ways to assist your puppy to become a well-adjusted adult dog.
Verify the reputation of the breeder
Ideally, you should find a breeder who shares your top criteria for a 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 If you're not sure, ask for a reference to a different breeder that has.
You can check the reputation of a breeder after you've found one that is able to meet your needs. You can find reviews and comments on their website or on social media by other families who bought their pups and also from veterinarians and dog trainers.
It is also important to determine if the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they don't, this could be a sign that the breeder isn't ethical or doesn't prioritize health over all else.
Look for a breeding history of the parents and grandparents as well. This will assist you in determining the likelihood that your puppy will develop genetic disorders like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralysis that affects 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 look over. Some breeders might ask you to complete a questionnaire that includes questions regarding your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that the puppy will be happy under your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally at ease with other dogs and even pets. However, they can become more territorial as they age. It is crucial to get them socialized at a young 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 a sign of aggression. They naturally protect their family members and will bark to alert you if someone is in the vicinity of the house.