Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is an expensive and emotional purchase. You can avoid making a mistake that could cost you money and time by doing your homework upfront.
Ask your local veterinarians about breeders who are ethical. Also, make sure reinrassiger deutscher schäferhund kaufen and your family members are committed to daily walks, playtime, and other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration, which can lead to chewing of furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable Breeder
You'll want a breeder that is knowledgeable and responsible. This means they'll be transparent about their breeding practices and willing to share pedigrees. They will also take care to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders.
You can find reliable breeders by asking your veterinarian for recommendations or by visiting the websites of dog clubs as well as performance events. They usually have a facility where they raise their dogs and offer classes for training at an additional cost. This is a great opportunity to bond with your dog and begin basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for temperament, health, and not just looks or coat colour. A trustworthy breeder will adhere to strict standards for breeding and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also confirm the health of their puppies using DNA and orthopedic testing.
Some red flags to look out for include breeders who don't provide routine preventive treatments like vaccines or deworming or who claims that their supplements are superior than those offered by your doctor. Be wary of breeders who require you to sign contracts with stipulations you don't agree with.
Breeders who breed puppies for a living have a great deal of responsibility. Many people rely on them for quality puppies. Breeders who fail to adhere to the highest quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you decide to go with a breeder who is a backyard breeder, you could get one with a sluggish and unstable behavior. The dogs are frequently seen on message boards or on online forums, asking for assistance to address the numerous health and temperament problems they face. A mediocre breeder or one who is breeding in their backyard has little understanding of what makes the German Shepherd Dog special. Most of the time, they are trying to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in a variety of venues apart from basic obedience. They will train and name their dog for Schutzhund or any other event of performance.
Speak with local veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs that bond deeply with their owners. They are herding dogs that typically work as service dogs for the police or military, but they are wonderful pets for families. They are susceptible to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.
Before german shepherd kaufen purchase a German Shepherd, talk to local vets for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of pet care providers, such as shelters and private owners They'll have a an idea of the most reputable breeders in your region. You should also inquire about the genetic diseases that are prevalent in the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, among others.
In New York there are several top-of-the-line facilities with staff members who are trained to work with German Shepherds. They include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These facilities have state-of-the-art facilities and staff members equipped to deal with a wide variety of ailments and conditions that are common for this breed.
It is also worth contacting the local German Shepherd breed clubs. These clubs have lists of reputable dog breeders, and can guide you in the right direction. You can also ask whether the parents of the breeder have been tested for genetic diseases.
A common issue for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint doesn't fit together in a perfect way. This can lead later in life to pain-inducing arthritis. Breeders should take x-rays of their dogs and only use dogs with healthy hips to breed. Heart disease is a common problem for the breed and a good breeder should be sure that both parents are screened for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) as well as heart disease of the valvular kind and heart murmurs.
You should not purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who cannot provide proof of health tests for both parents. This is a sign that the breeder may not be following strict breeding procedures. Additionally, it's not healthy for puppies to be shipped long distances. This can lead to stress and even cause respiratory problems.
Look for a Specialized Breeder
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instincts and passion for learning, which make them excellent dogs for working. They also make good guard dogs and are renowned for their devotion to family members. However, this protection could turn violent if the dog is not properly trained and socialized in its earliest years. The breed is lively and requires plenty of exercise to avoid becoming bored. This can cause issues with behaviour such as chewing furniture or barking. This is why it's important to select a dog who is appropriate to your lifestyle and environment.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if you're interested in finding a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in close contact with a wide range of animal care providers, including breeders, shelters, and individual owners, so they are often in the best position to offer advice on where to find high-quality German Shepherds.
Look for a breeder that has a good relationship with their breeding stock and is open to communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder is willing to answer questions regarding health testing, early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder will also provide you with health certificates for every puppy they sell, detailing the genetic history of the puppy. This includes the hereditary diseases that are common in the breed like degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. You will also be given an inventory of recommended vaccines and other medications you must adhere to in order to reduce the risk of developing disease.
It is essential that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will enable your veterinarian to detect possible issues before they become serious, and will help avoid problems like bloat, skin conditions, and heart disease. As the breed is prone to heart issues and heart disease, it is crucial to listen to your heart with a stethoscope as well as examine the X-rays of the chest during routine examinations.
German Shepherds are a big commitment and can last up to 10-12 years with proper care. Before you purchase one, make sure that you can afford it financially, and have the time to devote to it. You should also think about whether you have enough space to accommodate the large dog. Be prepared to spend more on food, toys and grooming equipment.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to Early Training
German Shepherds are herding dogs with an inherent desire to work and an instinct to protect. They are also quite frightened - which is why they make great military and police dogs. However, these characteristics can be problematic in a pet at home. If they feel threatened, they might attack cars or bark at people. They can also be prone to bite.
Picking a puppy that has the best temperament can assist you in tackling these issues. But even so you must devote time and energy to early training. This includes housetraining and addressing food aggression (GSDs are guardians of their food).
To be well trained to be well-trained, your German Shepherd will need to take in plenty of exercise. This can include long walks or hikes, jogs and runs and games of fetch. Puzzle toys and games for nosework can help stimulate their minds. They shed a lot and require to be groomed regularly.
Talking to your local veterinarians is a good place to begin when looking for a breeder who is ethical. They are familiar with a wide range of animals and are able to provide suggestions for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also speak to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your local area.
When you decide to buy a GSD ensure that the breeder provides health assurances. This can protect you from serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye problems, hip dysplasias, von Willebrand disease, and EPI.
If you are unable to find a reliable breeder There are other options to acquire a German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centres often have German Shepherds, and breed-specific rescues may be found online. If you plan to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue centre ensure that you learn the most you can about the pup's background before you bring them home. This will help you determine if the dog will fit into your lifestyle. Also, make sure you inquire about any behavioral or health issues your dog has faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will be able to respond well to appropriate training if they've been properly socialized during their puppyhood.