Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy is a major commitment. Before you purchase a puppy, it's important to do some research on reputable breeders.
Check to see if parents of the litter have been certified as free from degenerative myelopathy and megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's Disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. A reputable breeder will be able to take their dogs back when they aren't compatible with your lifestyle.
Find a reputable breeder
The final thing you should do is purchase an German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that needs a lot of space, and also a lot of play, training and exercise.
Find a breeder who is transparent in their practices and lets you see where the puppies are kept. Most reputable breeders have websites, social media pages, or live webcams that allow you to see the living conditions. Look for clean bedding, sanitary areas and absorbent footing so that the puppies do not walk around or lie in their own urine.
A good breeder will 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 must be able identify which genetic diseases they test for and how often they test.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies in pet stores or markets. They will only sell them to a responsible owner who can take care of the puppy properly. If you find a breeder selling their puppies on these sites be cautious. 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 for the breed and its future descendants. This is a waste of money. The puppies you purchase will be more likely to have a high risk of developing health issues and may not have the temperament or skills you want in your new puppy.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and pack animals that love to be active. They are great family pets and are dedicated to their owners. They can be very cautious of strangers, and they may even show aggression when they believe their owner is in danger. Training in obedience early will help to ensure your dog isn't acting in a way that isn't inappropriate.
Like all breeds, some health conditions are more common in certain German Shepherds than others. Responsible breeders must conduct appropriate health tests to prevent the spread of these diseases. Breeders should be transparent with the results of these tests and be able to answer any questions about the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are susceptible to elbow and hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. Inbreeding was responsible for these problems during the early days of the breed, however responsible breeders now work to minimize their incidence.
Hemangiosarcoma is a different condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth of blood vessels in the lungs or other organs. It is usually found in the spleen and the heart and can trigger several symptoms like anemia, weight loss, bleeding, and breathing problems.
As with all breeds it is essential to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can decrease the risk of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as Von Willebrand's disease. It is also recommended to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or bones from animals, which could lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Examine the health of your dog's health.
A German Shepherd puppy must have a healthy coat and eyes as well as an appropriate body. It must also be active, playful and be able to engage in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as play and short bursts exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a satiating appetite and maintain a steady gain in weight. It should also have strong stools that indicate the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Watch how they interact with their littermates and other dogs, including adults. They should be playful and curious, but not aggressive or afraid. A reputable breeder should provide the documentation of temperament tests for puppies and parents.
When you are watching the puppies, pay particular attention to their ears. They should stand erect when they are not in a position to be active and should be free of any bleeding or hair loss. A reputable breeder ensures that their puppies have been vaccined, dewormed and treated according to veterinary recommendations.
These large, double-coated dogs can come in many patterns and colors. They are usually black and tan or white and tan but can also be gray or even liver. Their outer coats shed throughout the year and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they can be prone to conditions such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune diseases. Having a high-quality dog food and providing proper exercise can reduce the risk of these conditions.
Additionally, make sure the puppies have been properly socialized at an early age. This will allow them to become calmer and more confident with animals and people especially if they have grown up together. If you have other pets like cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. German Shepherds can become a bit bossy when they are around other pets, especially if they have not been properly introduced at an early age.
Consult your veterinarian for recommendations
Veterinarians are a fantastic source of information on ethical breeders. Talk to a few veterinarians in your area for recommendations, and think about asking groomers, trainers, and dog-related businesses as well. You should also talk to German Shepherd owners in your neighborhood and go to dog shows to meet people who are familiar with the breed.
A puppy is an investment that shouldn't be made on a whim. You will need to consider the cost of food, grooming, and training, in addition to the potential costs of vet care and other unexpected expenses. Make sure you have a budget in place before you begin looking to find the perfect puppy.
German Shepherds are lively and require a lot of exercise to keep them occupied. They can develop behavioral issues like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. This can be very frustrating for 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, hip dysplasia, and shoulder dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal diseases such as hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible for screening their pups for genetic diseases triggered by inbreeding.
Before you take home the German Shepherd puppy, schedule the first visit to the vet to ensure that your new puppy is healthy and ready to join your family. You will also want to discuss a plan for training and ways to assist your puppy to become an adult dog that is well-adjusted.
Check the breeder's reputation
Ideally, you should choose a breeder that has the same top qualities as you for a German Shepherd. Request a recommendation if they don't currently have a litter or don't offer the breed of dog you are seeking.
After you've found a breeder who matches your criteria, it's time to start looking into the reputation of the breeder. Check out reviews on their website and social media from other families that have purchased their puppies and reviews from trainers and veterinarians.
You should also verify if the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they don't have certifications, this could be a sign the breeder isn't ethical or doesn't prioritize health over all else.
Find out the breeding history of the parents and their grandparents as well. This will help you determine the likelihood that your puppy will develop genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are open to sharing these documents with prospective buyers and will have the history of the breed on hand for you to review. Some breeders may require you to fill out an online questionnaire that asks you questions regarding your lifestyle as well as your home environment. This is to ensure that your puppy will be happy under your care.
As a general rule German Shepherds are generally very friendly with other dogs and pets but can be territorial as they grow older therefore it's essential to socialize them from an early age. Additionally, schäferhund abzugeben tend to bite when they're trying to teeth so you should be prepared for this and know that it's not an indication of aggression. They are protective of their family and will bark if anyone comes near your house.