Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy is a serious commitment. Before you make a purchase, it's important to do some research on reputable breeders.
Check to see if parents of the litter have been certified as free of degenerative myelopathy and megaesophagus, exocrine dysfunction and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Breeders who are reputable will return their dogs if they do not fit into your lifestyle.
Find a trusted breeder
The last thing you would prefer to do is purchase an 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 plenty of exercise, training and excitement to remain healthy and happy.
Choose a breeder that is transparent in its practices and lets you see where the puppies are kept. Most reliable breeders have websites and social media pages or live webcams that let you see the conditions of their homes. Be sure to look for clean bedding, absorbent footing that does not allow the puppies to walk and lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A reputable breeder will be able to explain the genetic diseases that are common to this breed of dog, and what 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 identify which genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet stores or market. They will only sell them to a responsible owner that will take care of the puppy properly. If you see a breeder selling their puppies in these places be cautious. This is a violation of law in most states, and suggests that the breeder doesn't take their responsibilities seriously or is not interested in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This can be devastating to the breed and its descendants. It's also a waste money. The puppies that you purchase will be more likely to have health issues and might not have the temperament you would like for your new pet.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are highly intelligent and pack animals that enjoy being active. They are great pets for families, and they are extremely loyal to their owners. They are often preoccupied with strangers and they can even display aggressive behavior when they feel they are in danger. Training in obedience early is crucial to ensure that your dog doesn't behave inappropriately.
Some health conditions are more common among certain German Shepherds. Responsible breeders should conduct appropriate health tests to stop the spread of these diseases. Breeders should also be transparent about the results of these tests. They should also be able to answer any questions you might have about the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia as well as spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. These problems were caused by inbreeding at the beginning of the breed's life However, responsible breeders are working to lessen the frequency of these conditions.
Another issue that may occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of the blood vessels in the lungs as well as other organs. It's usually found in the spleen and heart and can cause a number of symptoms including anemia and bleeding, weight loss and breathing problems.
As with all breeds it is important to give your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can lower the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative spinal stenosis and Von Willebrand's disease. It is also advisable to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, which can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Make sure you are in good health with your dog
A German Shepherd puppy must have a healthy coat and eyes, as well as an body that is proportionate. It should be playful, active and capable of engaging in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as play and short intervals of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a full appetite and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have a strong stool that shows proper digestion and nutrient intake.
Observe how they interact with other dogs and their littermates and their adult companions. They should be curious and playful but not overly aggressive or fearful. A trustworthy breeder will give you evidence of temperament testing for the parents and puppies.
When observing the puppies, pay special attention to their ears. They should stand erect when they are not in a position to be active, and they should be free of any bleeding or bald patches. A reputable breeder ensures that their puppies have been vaccined, dewormed and taken care of according to the veterinary recommendations.
The large, double-coated dogs are available in a variety of colors and patterns. They are typically black and tan, or all-black or white and tan but they can also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed throughout the year and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be susceptible to ailments such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye issues and autoimmune disease. A high-quality dog diet and regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Also, ensure that the puppies have been properly socialised at a young age. This will allow them to become comfortable and secure around other animals and people particularly if they've been raised together. If you have other pets such as cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. German Shepherds can be bossy with other pets If they haven't been properly introduced at an early age.
Consult deutsche schäferhunde kaufen are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for suggestions in your area. Also, ask pet groomers, dog trainers and other businesses that deal with dogs. You should also talk to German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to speak to people who know the breed.
A puppy is an investment that shouldn't be made on the spur of the moment. You will need to consider the costs of food, grooming and training, as well as the potential cost of vet care and other unexpected costs. Before you start looking for a puppy, be sure you have a set budget.
German Shepherds are lively and require a lot of exercise to keep them occupied. They may develop behavior problems such as excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be frustrating for owners. Exercise, obedience training, and a regular schedule can help to reduce the energy levels of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherds are prone to health conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal disorders like degenerative myelopathy or hemangiosarcoma. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for genetic diseases triggered by inbreeding.
When you are ready to bring home when you bring home a German Shepherd puppy, schedule the first visit to the vet 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 develop into an adult dog that is well-adjusted.
Check the Breeder's Reputation
In the ideal scenario, you'll locate a breeder who shares your top criteria for a German Shepherd. Request a recommendation in the event that they don't have a litter or don't offer the breed of dog you're looking for.
After you've found a breeder who is able to meet your requirements It's time to begin investigating the breeder's reputation. Check for reviews on their website and on social media from other families that have purchased their puppies as well as reviews from trainers and veterinarians.
It is also important to determine if the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they don't have a certificate, it could be a sign that the breeder does not take health seriously or is unprofessional.
Check out a history of breeding of the parents and grandparents as well. This will allow you to determine if your puppy is likely to be affected by genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy which is an ongoing paralization of the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are open to sharing these information with prospective buyers and will have the history of the breed on hand for you to read. Some may also have an application form for you to complete, which will include questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure that your puppy will be happy in your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally friendly towards animals and other dogs but can be territorial as they get older so it's important to socialise them from an early age. Additionally, they tend to bite when they're in the process of teething so be prepared and know that it's not a sign of aggression. They naturally protect their family members and will bark to alert you when someone is in the vicinity of the house.