Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy is a significant commitment. Before you make a purchase, it's important to do some research on reputable breeders.
Find out if the parents of the litter have been confirmed to be free of degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and megaesophagus and also enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Find out about the breeder's return policy. Breeders with good reputations will be willing to return their dogs when they do not fit with your lifestyle.
Find a trusted breeder
The last thing you'd want to do is buy an German Shepherd dog from a breeder that isn't reliable. This is a large-breed dog that needs a lot of space, and also a lot of play, training and exercise.
Look for a breeder that has transparent practices and lets you see where the puppies are housed. The majority of reputable breeders have websites, social media pages, or live webcams that let you see the living conditions. Make sure you choose sanitary bedding, a spongy footing that doesn't allow the puppies to walk and lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A good 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, 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 will never sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only sell their puppies to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. If you see breeders selling their puppies in these places be wary. It is illegal in a majority of states to do so. It also suggests that the breeder doesn't take their responsibilities very seriously or is not interested in improving the genetics of the breed. This could be disastrous for the breed and its future progeny. This is a squander of money. The puppies you are purchasing will have a much higher risk of developing health issues and may not have the temperament or skill set that you are looking for in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and pack animals that are very active. They are great family dogs and are committed to their owners. They can become very preoccupied with strangers and show aggressive behavior if they feel their owner is in danger or threatened. It is essential to begin obedience training early to ensure that your dog does not act inappropriately.
Certain health issues are more prevalent in certain German Shepherds. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the necessary health checks to stop the spread of diseases. A breeder should also be honest about the results of these tests and should be in a position to answer any questions you may have regarding the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, and spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. Inbreeding caused these issues in the early days of the breed, however responsible breeders are working 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 usually occurs in the spleen and the heart and can trigger several symptoms like anemia, weight loss, bleeding, and difficulty breathing.
Like all breeds, it is essential to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can decrease the risk of developing hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as Von Willebrand's disease. It is also advisable to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, which can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
Examine the health of your dog's health.
A German Shepherd puppy must have a healthy coat and eyes as well as a body that is proportionate. It should be playful, active and engaged in age-appropriate activity such as play and brief bursts of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a hearty appetite and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have a strong stool that indicates proper digestion and nutrient intake.
Be aware of how they interact with other dogs and littermates including adults. They must be curious and playful but not aggressive or fearful. A reliable breeder will give you evidence of temperament testing for the parents and puppies.
Pay attentively to the ears of the puppies when observing them. They should stand erect when they are not in a position to be active and should be free of hair loss or hair loss. A reputable breeder will make sure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed as according to veterinary guidelines.
The 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 they can also be liver, gray or blue. Their outer coats shed all year long and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they may be prone to conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune disease. Having a good quality dog food and ensuring proper exercise can help lower the risk of these conditions.
Also ensure that your puppies are socialized properly from a young age. This will help them become calm and confident with other pets and people particularly if they've grown up with each other. Introduce your pets slowly, especially when you have cats. If they're not properly introduced to other pets when they are young German Shepherds can become a bit bossy.
Consult the Veterinarian's recommendations
Veterinarians are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for recommendations in your area. Also, you can ask pet groomers, dog trainers, and other businesses that deal with dogs. It is recommended that you meet German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to meet and speak with people who are acquainted with the breed.
The purchase of a puppy is a long-term commitment and shouldn't be a decision made on a whim. You'll need to think about the costs of food, grooming, and training, in addition to the potential costs of medical and other unexpected expenses. Make sure you have a budget in place before you begin shopping for the perfect dog.
Due to their herding nature, German Shepherds are full of energy and require plenty of activities to keep them busy and entertained. They may develop behavior problems such as excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be a source of frustration for pet owners. Exercise, obedience training, and a daily schedule will help calm the energy level of this intelligent dog.
German Shepherds, like other large breeds of dogs are susceptible to health conditions such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal diseases like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their pups for these and other diseases, and have made great 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 a German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and ready to be a part of your family. The vet will also go over a program for training and ways to assist your puppy in becoming a well-adjusted dog.
Check the reputation of the breeder
It is best to choose a breeder that meets your top requirements for the perfect German Shepherd. You can ask for a recommendation even if they don't currently have a litter or don't offer the kind of dog you are looking for.
Once deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen found a breeder that meets your qualifications The next step is looking into the reputation of the breeder. You can read reviews and other comments on their website or social media from other families who purchased their puppies, as well as from dog trainers and veterinarians.
Verify if the parents have been certified by AKC or OFA. If they do not have certifications it could be an indication that the breeder does not value health or is unethical.
Check out a history of breeding of the parents and their grandparents as well. This will aid in determining the probability that your puppy will be affected by genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders will be happy to share their information with prospective buyers. They'll also have a breed history available to look over. Some breeders will ask you to complete an online questionnaire that asks you questions regarding your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that your puppy will be content under your supervision.
In general German Shepherds are generally affectionate towards animals and other dogs but can be territorial as they age so it's important to socialise them from an early age. They also tend to bite when they are teething, so be prepared and be aware that this isn't an indication of aggression. They are protective of their loved ones, and will bark when anyone is near your home.