Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a serious commitment. It's important to research the best breeders before purchasing your puppy.
Find out whether the litter's parents have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction and also enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Also ask about the breeder's return policy. A reputable breeder will be able to take their dogs back when they do not fit with your lifestyle.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
The final thing you should do is purchase an German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. This is a large breed dog that needs adequate living space as well as a lot of exercise, training, and adventure to stay healthy and happy.
Find a breeder who has transparent practices and allows you to observe where the puppies are kept. Most reputable breeders have web sites and social media pages or live webcams that allow you to view the conditions of their homes. Be sure to look for clean bedding, sanitary areas and absorbent footing so that puppies don't walk around or lie in their waste.
A good breeder can explain the genetic conditions that are that are common to this breed and the tests they are conducted for. This includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must identify which genetic diseases they test for and how often they test.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet stores or market. They will only offer them to a responsible owner who will take care of the puppy in a responsible manner. Be cautious if you encounter a breeder who sells puppies in these locations. This is against the laws in a majority of states, and indicates that the breeder does not take their responsibilities seriously, or is not interested in improving the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be devastating to the breed and its future descendants. This is a waste of money. The puppies you purchase will more likely be sick, and may not have the personality you want for your new pet.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent pack animals who enjoy being active. They make excellent family dogs and are devoted to their owners. They are often suspicious of strangers, and they can even display aggression when they believe their owner is in danger. It is essential to begin obedience training early to ensure that your dog does not act inappropriately.
Certain health issues are more common among certain German Shepherds. Responsible breeders should perform the appropriate health tests to help stop the spread of these diseases. Breeders must also be transparent about the results of these tests and should be able to answer any questions you may have regarding the health of your puppy.
German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. These ailments resulted from inbreeding at the beginning of the breed's life However responsible breeders are working hard to lessen the frequency of these ailments.
Another issue that may occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of the blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It usually occurs in the spleen and the heart and can trigger a number of symptoms including anemia as well as bleeding, weight loss and breathing problems.
In the end, as with all breeds, it's crucial to provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can help reduce the chance of elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, degenerative spine stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, as this could cause stomach upset.
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 be playful, active and engaged in age-appropriate activity like play and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a strong appetite and continue to gain in weight. It must also have a sturdier stool that shows an adequate digestion and intake of nutrients.
Observe 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 provide you with documentation of temperament testing for both the puppies and parents.
When watching the puppies, pay particular attention to their ears. They should be upright when they are not in a position to be active and should be free of any bleeding or hairy patches. A reputable breeder will also make sure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and vaccinated as per veterinary recommendations.
These massive, double coated dogs come in many colors and patterns. They usually come in black and tan or white and tan but could also be liver or gray. Their outer coats shed all year and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds tend to be healthy, they are susceptible to certain ailments, such as hip or knee dysplasia eye issues, hip or knee dysplasia, and autoimmune diseases. A good quality dog diet and regular exercise can lower the chance of developing these ailments.
Additionally, make sure the puppies are properly socialised at a young age. This will help them become calmer and more confident around people and animals particularly if they have a history of growing up together. Introduce your other pets slowly, especially if you have cats. If they are not properly introduced to other pets in a young age German Shepherds can become a bit bossy.
Check the Veterinarian's Recommendations
Veterinarians are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for recommendations in your local area. Also, you can ask pet groomers, dog trainers and other businesses related to dogs. It is recommended that you get to know German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to meet and speak with people who are familiar with the breed.
Getting a puppy is a long-term commitment, and should not be done on a whim. It is important to take into account the cost of food and grooming along with the cost of training and veterinary care. Make sure you have a budget before you begin looking for the perfect dog.
German Shepherds are active and require lots of exercise to keep them occupied. They may develop behavior problems such as excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be a source of frustration for pet owners. Training in obedience, exercise and a daily routine will aid in calming the enthusiasm of this intelligent breed.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are susceptible to health conditions like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal diseases like degenerative myelopathy and hemangiosarcoma. Breeders who are responsible for screening their pups for genetic disorders caused by inbreeding.
You should plan your first appointment with your veterinarian prior to when you bring home your new German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new puppy will be healthy and ready to be a part of your family. You should also discuss a plan for training and ways to assist your puppy to become an adult dog that is well-adjusted.
Be sure to verify the reputation of the breeder
You should search for a breeder that shares your top preferences in regards to the breed of German Shepherd. If they do not 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.
Once you've found a breeder who matches your criteria The next step is looking into the reputation of the breeder. You will find reviews and feedback on their website or on social media from other families that purchased their pups as well as from veterinarians and dog trainers.
You should also check whether the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they don't have certification this could be a sign that the breeder doesn't consider health a priority or is not ethical.
Look for a breeding history of the parents and grandparents as well. This will allow you to determine if your puppy is likely to be affected by genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralization disorder 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 on hand for you to look over. 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 is happy in your care.
In general, German Shepherds are friendly towards other dogs and pets but they can be territorial as they get older therefore it's essential to socialize them from an early age. Additionally, they tend to bite when they're teething so you should be prepared and know that it's not a sign of aggression. They are extremely protective of their family, and will bark if anyone comes near your house.