Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
The purchase of a German Shepherd puppy is a significant commitment. Our Web Site to research reliable breeders prior to purchasing your puppy.
Check to see if the parents of the litter have been certified as free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus. Exocrine insufficiency, megaes Von Willebrand's disease.
Also ask about the breeder's return policy. Breeders with good reputations are willing to return their dogs if they don't match your lifestyle.
Find a Breeder who is Reputable
The final thing you should do is buy an German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that needs adequate living space, as well as plenty of exercise, training and adventure to be happy and healthy.
Find a breeder that has transparent practices and lets you know where the puppies are kept. Most reputable breeders offer live webcams social media pages, or websites that let you observe the conditions of their homes. Make sure you look for clean areas, sanitary bedding and a clean, dry footing to ensure that the puppies do not walk or lay in their own poop.
A good breeder will be able to explain the genetic diseases that are common to this type of dog and the ways they are screened for. This includes hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease, and more. The breeder must be able tell you which genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies in pet shops or markets. They will only sell them to a responsible person who will take care of the puppy appropriately. If you see breeders selling their puppies through these outlets be cautious. It is illegal in many states to sell their puppies. It also indicates that the breeder does not take their responsibilities seriously or is not interested in improving the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating to the breed and its descendants. It is also a waste money. The puppies you buy will have a higher rate of health issues and might not be the type of temperament or skills you would like in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals that are very active. They make excellent family pets and are committed to their owners. They can be very preoccupied with strangers and they can even display aggression when they believe they are in danger. Early obedience training can help ensure that your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
Like all breeds, some health conditions are more common in certain German Shepherds than others. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the required health tests to prevent the spread of disease. Breeders should be transparent with the results of the tests and be able to answer any questions about the health of their puppies.
German Shepherds are at risk of elbow and hip dysplasia, and degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. Inbreeding is the main cause of these problems during the early days of the breed, but responsible breeders now work to limit their incidence.
Another issue that may occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma which is a type of cancer that affects the blood vessels in the lungs as well as other organs. It is most often located in the spleen and heart, and it may cause a variety symptoms, such as weakness, bleeding, trouble breathing, weight loss, and anemia.
As with all breeds, it's important to ensure that you provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of developing hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, and also Von Willebrand's disease. It is also recommended to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, as they can cause stomach upset or pancreatitis.
Make sure you are in good health with your pet
A German Shepherd puppy should have an appropriately proportioned body, a thick coat and healthy eyes. It should be active and playful and engaged in age-appropriate activity such as play and short intervals of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should have a hearty appetite and maintain an even weight increase. It should also have a strong stool that shows the proper digestion and intake of nutrients.
Be aware of how they interact with other dogs and their littermates, including adults. They should be curious and playful but not aggressive or fearful. A reliable breeder will provide evidence of temperament testing for the parents and puppies.
When observing the puppies, pay particular attention to their ears. When not in use, they should be upright and free of discharge or bald spots. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed, and taken care of according to the veterinary recommendations.
The large, double-coated dogs come in various patterns and colors. They are usually black and tan, or white and tan, but they may also be gray or liver. Their outer coats shed all year and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are generally healthy, they may be susceptible to ailments like elbow or hip dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune disease. A high-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 relaxed and comfortable around other people and pets particularly if they've spent time together. If you have other pets like cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. If they are not properly introduced to other pets when they are young German Shepherds can become aggressive.
Consult the Veterinarian's recommendations
Veterinary professionals are an excellent source of information about ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for recommendations in your area. Also, you can ask pet groomers, dog trainers, and other dog-related businesses. You should also talk to German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to speak to people who have experience with the breed.
The purchase of a puppy is a long-term commitment and should not be done on a whim. You'll have to consider the costs of grooming and food, as well as training and veterinary costs. Before you begin shopping for a puppy, ensure you have a set budget.
German Shepherds are active and need a lot to keep them occupied. They may experience behavioral issues like excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be frustrating for owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a regular schedule can help calm the energy level 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 at risk of developing spinal diseases, such as hemangiosarcoma and degenerative myelopathy. Breeders who are responsible for screening their puppies for genetic diseases triggered by inbreeding.
When you are ready to bring home a German Shepherd puppy, schedule the first vet appointment to ensure that your new pet is well-behaved and ready to join your family. You will also want to discuss a training plan and ways to assist your puppy to become an adult dog that is well-adjusted.
Verify the Breeder's Reputation
You should find a breeder that shares your top requirements in regards to the breed of German Shepherd. Request a recommendation if they don't currently have a litter, or offer the breed of dog you're searching for.
You can look up the reputation of a breeder once you've found one that meets your requirements. You will find reviews and feedback on their website or on social media from other families who purchased their puppies, as well as from dog trainers and veterinarians.
Check if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't have certification, this could be a sign that the breeder isn't ethical, or doesn't put health first.
You should also look at the breeding background of their parents and grandparents. This will assist you in determining the likelihood that your puppy will be affected by genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are open to sharing these information with prospective buyers and will have the history of their breed on hand for you to review. Others may have a questionnaire for you to complete that asks questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure that the puppy will be happy in your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally very friendly with pets and other dogs, but can be territorial as they age so it's important to socialise the breed from a young age. Additionally, they tend to bite when they're teething so be aware of this and be aware that it's not a sign of aggression. They are extremely protective of their loved ones, and will bark if anyone is near your home.