Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a major commitment. Before you make a purchase, it's important to do some research on breeders who are reputable.
Find out whether the litter's parents have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as well as enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Ask about the breeder's return policy. Reputable breeders are willing to return their dogs if they don't match your lifestyle.
Find a trusted breeder
The last thing you would like to do is purchase a German Shepherd dog from a breeder that isn't reliable. It is a large breed dog that requires lots of space and also a lot of training, adventure, and exercise.
Look for a breeder who has transparent practices, and lets you know the conditions in which the puppies are raised. Most reliable breeders provide live webcams social media pages, or websites that allow you to see the living conditions. Make sure you choose sanitary bedding, a clean and absorbent floor that doesn't allow the puppies to walk or lay in their own poop and clean areas.
schäferhund welpen kaufen schweiz can also describe the genetic diseases that are that are common to this breed and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, Von Willebrand Disease, and many more. The breeder should be able tell you what genetic disease tests they are doing and how often.
A reputable breeder won't sell their puppies to pet stores or at markets. They will only sell their puppies to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. Be cautious if you find a breeder selling puppies in such places. It is illegal in many states to sell their puppies. It also suggests that the breeder doesn't take their responsibilities seriously or has little interest in advancing the genetics of the breed. This can be devastating for the breed and their future progenitors. This is a waste of money. The puppies you are purchasing will have a higher risk of developing health issues and might not have the temperament or skills you would like in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack dogs who are very active. They are excellent dogs for families and are extremely loyal to their owners. They are often cautious of strangers and display aggressive behavior when they feel their owner is being threatened or endangered. Training in obedience early will help ensure that your dog isn't acting in a way that isn't inappropriate.
As with all breeds, some health conditions are more prevalent in German Shepherds with certain characteristics than others. Responsible breeders should conduct appropriate health tests to in preventing the spread of these diseases. Breeders should be honest about the results of the tests and be able to answer any questions regarding the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia and spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. Inbreeding was responsible for these problems during the early days of the breed, however responsible breeders now work to limit their incidence.
Another issue that can occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma which is a type of cancer that affects the blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is typically located in the spleen and heart, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, difficulty breathing, weight loss and anemia.
As with all breeds, it is important to provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can decrease the risk of developing hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, as well as Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, since this can 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 must also be active, playful and be able to engage in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as playing and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should be able to eat well and maintain an even weight gain. It must also have a sturdier stool that indicates an adequate digestion and intake of nutrients.
Be aware of how they interact with other dogs and littermates including adults. They must be curious and playful but not aggressive or afraid. A reputable breeder should provide the documentation of temperament tests for puppies and parents.
Pay attentively to the ears of puppies while you watch them. When they are not in use, they should be upright and free of bald or discharge spots. A reputable breeder will make sure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed according to 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 throughout the year and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds tend to be healthy, they are susceptible to certain diseases, such as knee or hip dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. A high-quality dog food and giving them regular exercise can help lower the risk of these conditions.
Also ensure that your puppies are socialized properly at a young age. This will allow them to be more calm and confident with animals and people, especially if the two have grown up together. Introduce your pets slowly, especially when you have cats. German Shepherds can be bossy around other pets when they are not properly introduced at an early age.
Consult the Veterinarian's recommendations
Veterinary professionals are an excellent source of information about ethical breeders. Ask a few vets in your area to get recommendations, and also consider asking groomers, trainers, and dog-related businesses as well. You should also get to know German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to speak to people who have experience with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that should not be rushed into. You will need to consider the cost of food, grooming and training, in addition to the possibility of costs for veterinary care and other unexpected expenses. Make sure you have a budget before you begin shopping to find the perfect puppy.
German Shepherds are energetic and require lots of exercise to keep them content. They can develop behavioral issues like excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be frustrating for pet owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a routine for daily life will help to reduce the enthusiasm of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues such as hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They also are at risk for spinal diseases, such as hemangiosarcoma and degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their puppies for these and other diseases and have made huge progress in eliminating genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
You should make an appointment with your vet before you bring home your new German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new puppy will be healthy and ready to join your family. You should also discuss a training plan and how you can help your puppy grow into an adult dog that is well-adjusted.
Verify the Breeder's Reputation
You should find breeders that meet your top preferences when it comes to a German Shepherd. You can ask for a recommendation if they don't currently have a litter, or offer the kind of dog you're seeking.
You can check the reputation of a breeder when you have found one who is able to meet your needs. You can find reviews and comments on their website or on social media by other families who purchased their puppies and also from dog 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 doesn't take health seriously or is unprofessional.
You should also consider the breeding history of their parents as well as grandparents. This will allow you to determine if your puppy is likely to develop genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralization of the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders are open to sharing their information with prospective buyers and will have the history of their breed available for you to review. Others may have a questionnaire for you to fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure that the puppy is happy in your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally friendly to other dogs and even pets. However, they can become territorial as they age. It is essential to make sure that your German Shepherds are socialized from a young age. They also tend to bite when they are teething, so be prepared and know that this isn't an signal of aggression. They are very protective of their loved ones, and will bark if anyone comes near your house.