Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
Buying a German Shepherd is a big commitment emotionally as well as financially. You can avoid making a mistake which will cost you time and money by doing your homework upfront.
Consult your local veterinarian about breeders who are ethical. Be sure that you and your family members commit to daily walks or games as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to prevent boredom and frustration which could lead to chewing furniture and shoes.
Find a trusted breeder
You'll want to find a breeder who is knowledgeable and responsible. This means they'll be open about their breeding practices and willing to give pedigrees. They'll also be cautious not to breed puppies with genetic disorders.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or look through the websites of dog clubs or events. Breeders usually have a facility where they take care of their dogs and also offer classes for training at a cost. This is a great opportunity to get your puppy socialized and get started on basic obedience training.
Find a breeder who breeds for temperament and health rather than looks or coat color. A reputable breeder adheres to strict standards of breeding, and screens for genetic diseases that are common to German Shepherd dogs. They also verify their puppies' health by conducting DNA and orthopedic tests.
Be wary of breeders who don't offer preventive care, like vaccinations and deworming, or who insist that their supplements are superior to those provided by your vet. Also be cautious of a breeder that requires you to sign contracts with stipulations that you're not happy with.
It is important to recognize that breeders who raise puppies for a living, have an enormous responsibility. Many people rely on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who fail to adhere to the highest quality standards can have a negative impact on the entire breed.
If you choose a backyard breeder, you may end having a dog that is unwell and unpredictable in its behavior. The dogs are usually on message boards and online forums seeking help for the numerous health and temperament issues they suffer from. A breeder who is not a good one or who is breeding in their backyard has no understanding of what makes the German Shepherd Dog special. Most of the time, they are looking to make money, not produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder works their dogs in meaningful settings beyond basic obedience. They'll train and name their dogs for Schutzhund or other performance events.
Talk to local veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart, active dogs who develop strong bonds with their owners. They were originally bred as herding dogs and often work for the police and military as service dogs but they also make loyal pets for the family. They are prone to boredom and require lots of stimulation. They thrive in homes with plenty of space and time to play.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders before you buy a German Shepherd. schäferhundwelpen are in contact with many pet care facilities, such as shelters and private owners. They'll know the best breeders in your area. Ask them about any genetic disorders that are common to the breed. You should ask about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
If you reside in New York, there are numerous top-of-the-line animal hospitals with staffs that are specialized in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities are equipped with state-of-the art facilities and staff members equipped to handle a wide range of conditions and illnesses that are common for the breed.
You can also contact local German Shepherd clubs. These clubs typically have lists of reputable breeders and can direct you in the right direction. You can also determine if the breeder has been tested by their parents for common genetic disorders.
Hip dysplasia is a typical problem for German Shepherds. The hip joint does not fit perfectly. This can cause painful arthritis later in the course of. Breeders should x-ray dogs and only select dogs who have healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is a common issue for the breed and a good breeder should have both parents screened for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), heart valve disease and heart murmurs.
It is not advisable to purchase an German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who isn't able to provide proof of health testing for both parents. This indicates that the breeder isn't following strict breeding protocols. It's also not healthy for puppies to be transported far distances. This can cause respiratory problems and stress.
Find a Breeder with Specialized Knowledge
German Shepherds are famous for their herding instinct and a love of training which makes them excellent work dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are well-known for their devotion to family members. However, this loyalty could turn violent if the dog is not properly trained and socialized in its early years. The breed is active and requires lots of exercise to stop them from becoming bored, which can cause behavioural issues such as chewing furniture or barking. It is important to choose the dog that is appropriate to your lifestyle and surroundings.
If you are interested in finding a German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for recommendations of ethical breeders. Veterinarians work closely with a variety of animal care providers, such as shelters, breeders and individual owners, so they are often in the best position to provide advice on where to find the best German Shepherds.
Find a breeder who maintains a close relationship with their breeding stock and maintains open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will answer questions about health tests as well as early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder will provide you with health certificates for each puppy they sell, describing the dog's genetic background. This includes the hereditary conditions that are that are common to the breed, like megaesophagus or exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. They will also provide you with a the recommended vaccinations and medicines for your puppy and you should adhere to in order to reduce the risk of developing disease.
It is important that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will allow your vet to identify any potential issues before they become serious, and will help avoid problems such as skin conditions, bloat and heart disease. Because the breed is prone to heart issues and heart disease, it is crucial to listen to your heart using a stethoscope and perform an X-ray examination of the chest during routine exams.
German Shepherds are a big commitment and can live for 10-12 years if given proper treatment. Make sure you have the funds to buy one and that you have the time. Also, consider whether you have enough space to accommodate an enormous dog. Be prepared to pay extra for food, toys and grooming equipment.
Be prepared to dedicate time to early training
German Shepherds are working dogs with an instinct for protection and a natural urge to herd. They are also fairly fearless - this is why they make great police and military dogs. These traits can be a problem for a dog that is a family pet. If they are afraid, they may be aggressive towards cars or bark at people. They can also be prone to biting.
You can tackle these issues by choosing the puppy with the proper temperament. You will still need to devote time and effort during the early stages of training. This includes housetraining and addressing food aggression (GSDs protect their food).
Your German Shepherd needs to be active to ensure that they are well-trained. This can include long hikes, jogs and runs and fetch games. They will also need mental stimulation with toys for puzzles and nose work games. Additionally, they are heavy shedders and require to be groomed regularly.
Contacting your local veterinarian is a good place to begin when looking for an ethical breeder. They are knowledgeable about a variety of animals and can suggest ethical breeders and dog training. You can also talk to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your region.
When you decide to buy a GSD ensure that the breeder has health guarantees. This will help you from the onset of serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye conditions, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other ways to get an German Shepherd if you cannot locate a reliable breeder. Rescue centres and animal shelters often have German Shepherds. Breed-specific rescues can be available online. If you plan to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center, be sure to learn as much as you can about the background of the dog before you decide to take them home. This will help you determine if the dog can be a good fit for your lifestyle. Find out about any behavioral or health problems the dog may have had. GSDs are smart dogs and will be able to respond well to training if they have had proper socialization during their puppyhood.