Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy is a major commitment. It is important to find reliable breeders prior to making your purchase.
Check to see if parents of the litter have been certified as being free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Breeders with good reputations are willing to return their dogs if their dogs do not match your lifestyle.
Find a trusted breeder
The last thing you would prefer to do is purchase a German Shepherd dog from a breeder who isn't reliable. It is a large breed dog that requires lots of space and lots 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. The majority of reputable breeders have live webcams as well as social media pages or websites that allow you to observe the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean bedding, a spongy footing that doesn't allow the puppies to walk and lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A reputable breeder will be able to explain genetic diseases that are common to this breed of dog and the ways they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease, and many more. The breeder must inform you of the genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only sell to responsible owners who are able to take care of the puppy. If you see breeders selling their puppies through these outlets be cautious. It is illegal in most states to sell their puppies. It also suggests that the breeder does not take their responsibilities very seriously or has little interest in advancing the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating for the breed and its descendants. This is a waste of 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 are very active. They make excellent family dogs and are very committed to their owners. They are often preoccupied with strangers and they may even show aggression when they believe their owner is in danger. Early obedience training is important to ensure that your dog doesn't behave inappropriately.
Like all breeds, some health conditions are more prevalent in certain German Shepherds than others. Responsible breeders should perform the appropriate health tests to in preventing the spread of these diseases. Breeders should be transparent with the results of the tests and be able to address any questions regarding the health of the puppies.
Some of the most common health issues that be affecting German Shepherds are elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. These problems resulted from inbreeding at the beginning of the breed's life However responsible breeders are working hard to reduce the frequency of these ailments.
Hemangiosarcoma is another issue that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth in blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It's usually found in the heart and spleen, and can cause a number of symptoms including anemia and bleeding, weight loss and difficulty breathing.
Finally, as with all breeds, it's essential to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can lower the risk of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, and also Von Willebrand's disease. Also, it is best to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, which can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
Check the Health of the dogs
A German Shepherd puppy should have an ideal body proportioned to its size, a dense coat and healthy eyes. It should also be active and playful, and able to engage in age-appropriate activities such as play and short bursts exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a satiating appetite and be able to maintain a steady increase in weight. It should also have strong stool that indicates an adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Observe the way they interact with their littermates and other dogs as well as adults. They should be curious and playful but not aggressive or fearful. A trustworthy breeder will give you documentation of temperament testing for the parents and puppies.
When observing the puppies, pay close attention to their ears. They should stand erect when they are not in a position to be active and should be free of any hair loss or hair loss. A reputable breeder will make sure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and vaccinated as according to veterinary guidelines.
These large, double coated dogs come in a variety of colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, or white and tan, but they could also be gray or even liver. Their outer coats shed all year round and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be susceptible to issues such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune diseases. A healthy, high-quality dog food and regular exercise can reduce the chance of developing these diseases.
Also, ensure that the puppies are properly socialised from a young age. This will help them develop comfortable and secure around other people and pets particularly if they've been raised together. Introduce your pets slowly, particularly when you have cats. If they are not properly introduced to other pets in a young age German Shepherds can become aggressive.
Review the Veterinarian's Recommendations
Veterinary professionals are an excellent source of information about ethical breeders. Ask a few vets in your area for recommendations, and think about asking groomers, trainers, and other dog-related businesses. You should also meet German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to talk to people who are familiar with the breed.
Getting a puppy is a long-term commitment and shouldn't be made on the spur of the moment. It is important to take into account the costs of grooming and food and also the costs of training and vet care. Before you start looking for a puppy, make sure you have a budget.
Due to their herding nature, German Shepherds have a lot of energy and have plenty of activities to keep them happy and occupied. If they don't, they can develop behavioral issues, such as excessive chewing on furniture or barking and furniture, which can be very frustrating for their owners. Training in obedience, exercise and a daily routine will aid in calming the energy of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are also susceptible to health issues such as elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. deutscher schäferhund kaufen schweiz have a higher risk for spinal diseases like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible for screening their pups for genetic diseases triggered by inbreeding.
Before you take home a German Shepherd puppy, schedule the first visit to the vet to ensure your new pet is healthy and is ready to be part of your family. You will also want to discuss a plan for training and how you can help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Be sure to verify the reputation of the breeder
You should look for a breeder that shares your top criteria when it comes to the breed of German Shepherd. If they don't have a litter currently available or don't have the kind of puppy you're looking for Ask for a recommendation to another breeder that does.
You can check the reputation of a breeder once you have found one who meets your requirements. You can find reviews and comments on their website or on social media from other families that purchased their puppies, as well as from dog trainers and veterinarians.
It is also important to determine if the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they don't it could be a sign that the breeder isn't ethical or doesn't put health first.
Check out a history of breeding of grandparents and parents as well. This will aid in determining the probability that your puppy will be affected by genetic disorders like degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralysis of the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders will be happy to share their information with prospective buyers. They'll also have the breed history available for you to look over. Some may also have a questionnaire you can complete that asks questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure that your puppy is comfortable in your care.
In general, German Shepherds are affectionate towards pets 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're teething so be ready and know that this isn't an signal of aggression. They are very protective of their family, and will bark if anyone gets close to your home.