Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is an enormous commitment. Before you purchase a puppy it's essential to conduct some research on reputable breeders.
Find out whether the litter's parents have been certified free of degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction as well as heart enlargement and Von Willebrand disease.
Find out about the breeder's return policy. A reputable breeder will be able to take their dogs back if they don't fit in with your lifestyle.
Find a reputable breeder
The most important thing you don't want to do is purchase a German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that needs adequate living space, as well as plenty of exercise, training and excitement to remain happy and healthy.
Find a breeder that has transparent practices and lets you see where the puppies are kept. Most reputable breeders have websites, social media pages, or live webcams that allow you observe the conditions of their homes. Look for clean bedding, sanitary areas and absorbent footing so that the puppies don't wander around or lay in their own poop.
A good breeder will explain the genetic conditions that are associated with this breed and how they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand Disease, and many more. The breeder must be able inform you of the genetic diseases they test for and how often they test.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only offer them to a responsible person who can take care of the puppy properly. If you come across a breeder selling their puppies on these sites, be very wary. This is a violation of laws in a majority of states, and suggests 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 descendants. It is also a waste of your money. The puppies you buy will have a higher risk of developing health issues and may not have the personality or the skills you want in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals that love to be active. schäferhund kaufen österreich make excellent family dogs and are very dedicated to their owners. They are often suspicious of strangers and may show aggressive behavior if they believe their owner is in danger or threatened. Early obedience training is important to ensure that your dog doesn't behave in a way that is inappropriate.
Certain health conditions are more prevalent among certain German Shepherds. Responsible breeders must conduct appropriate health tests to help prevent the spread of these diseases. Breeders must be open about the results of the tests and be able answer any questions about the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are at risk of hip and elbow dysplasia and 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.
Another problem that can be found with German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of the blood vessels in the lungs as well as other organs. It is often located in the spleen and heart, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including weakness, bleeding, trouble breathing, weight loss and anemia.
In the end, as with all breeds, it's crucial to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A properly balanced diet can reduce the chance of elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, spinal stenosis degenerative and Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, since this could cause stomach upset.
Verify the health of the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy should have an appropriately proportioned body, a thick coat, and healthy eyes. It should be active and playful, and able engage in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as play and brief intervals of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a full appetite and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have firm stool that indicates proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
Watch how they interact with other dogs and littermates, including adults. They should be curious and playful but not aggressive or fearful. A reliable breeder will give you evidence of temperament testing for the puppies and parents.
When watching the puppies, pay particular attention to their ears. When they're not in use they should be upright and be free of bald or discharge spots. A reputable breeder will make sure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed as per the veterinary recommendations.
The large, double-coated dogs come in many 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 throughout the year and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are known to be healthy, they can be susceptible to certain conditions, such as knee or hip dysplasia eye problems, hip dysplasia, as well as autoimmune diseases. Having a high-quality dog food and ensuring proper exercise can help reduce the risk of these conditions.
Also ensure that your puppies are properly socialised from a young age. This will help them become comfortable and secure with other pets and people, especially if they have grown up with each other. If you have other pets such as cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. If they're not properly introduced to other pets in a young age German Shepherds could become bossy.
Consult the Veterinarian's recommendations
Veterinarians are an excellent source of information on ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for suggestions in your area. Also, inquire about pet groomers, dog trainers and other businesses related to dogs. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to get to know German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to meet and speak with people who are acquainted with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that shouldn't be made on the spur of the moment. It is important to take into account the cost of food and grooming and also the costs of training and vet care. Before you start looking for a puppy, be sure you have a budget.
Because of their herding instinct German Shepherds are full of energy and have plenty of things to do to keep them happy and occupied. They may experience behavioral issues like excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be very frustrating for pet owners. Exercise, obedience training and a daily routine will help to calm the temperament of this intelligent dog.
German Shepherds, like many large breeds of dogs are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to spinal diseases such as degenerative myelopathy or hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, responsible breeders screen their pups for these and other diseases and have made huge progress in removing genetic diseases that result from inbreeding.
It is recommended to plan your first appointment with your veterinarian prior to when you bring home your new German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and ready to join your family. You should also discuss a plan for training and ways to help your puppy grow into an adult dog that is well-adjusted.
Check the breeder's reputation
You should find breeders that meet your top criteria when it comes to a German Shepherd. If they don't have a litter in the womb at present or don't have the kind of puppy you're seeking, ask for a referral to a breeder who does.
After you've found a breeder who is able to meet your requirements, it's time to start checking the breeder's reputation. You will find reviews and feedback on their website or social media from other families who purchased their pups, as well as from dog trainers and veterinarians.
Check if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't it could indicate that the breeder isn't ethical or doesn't prioritize health over all else.
Look for a breeding history of the parents and their grandparents as well. This will aid in determining the probability that your puppy will develop genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralysis of the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders are open to sharing these information with prospective buyers and will have the history of their breed on hand for you to review. Some breeders may ask you to complete an online questionnaire that asks you questions regarding your lifestyle as well as your home environment. This is to ensure that the puppy will be happy under your care.
As a general rule, German Shepherds are very friendly with animals and other dogs but they can be territorial as they age therefore it's essential to socialize the breed from a young age. They can also bite when they are teething so be ready and know that this is not an indication of aggression. They are extremely protective of their loved ones, and will bark when anyone comes near your house.