Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
Buying a German Shepherd is a huge commitment, both financially and emotionally. Doing your research ahead of time will save you from costly errors.
Ask your local veterinarians regarding ethical breeders. Also, make sure you and your family members are committed to regular walks and playtime, as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration that can result in chewed shoes and furniture.
Find a trusted breeder
When choosing a breeder, you'll want to find one who is trustworthy and knowledgeable. They'll be open regarding their breeding practices and will be willing to share pedigrees. They'll also be careful to avoid breeding puppies with genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or look through the websites of dog clubs or events. Breeders typically have a facility where they keep their dogs and provide training classes for a fee. This is a great opportunity to socialize your pup and get them started on basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for temperament and health rather than coat color. A reputable breeder will adhere to strict breeding standards and test for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They will also confirm their puppies' health by conducting orthopedic and DNA tests.
The red flags are breeders who do not offer preventive services, like vaccines and deworming, or who insist that their supplements are superior to those offered by your vet. Be beware of breeders that require you to sign contracts that contain conditions you don't like.
Breeders who raise puppies as a profession are a lot of responsibility. Many people depend on them to provide quality puppies. If a breeder fails to adhere to high standards, it can cause a negative effect on the entire breed.
If you select a backyard breeder you may get a dog with an unhealthy and unstable behavior. The dogs are usually on message boards and other online forums seeking help with the myriad of health and temperament issues they suffer from. A backyard breeder who is mediocre does not know what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They usually are trying to make money and not to produce healthy puppies. A reputable breeder works their dogs in meaningful venues beyond basic obedience. They'll train and title their dogs for Schutzhund or other competitions.
Talk to your local veterinarians
German Shepherds are intelligent, active dogs who form strong bonds with their owners. They were originally bred as herding dogs and often work for the military and police as service dogs but they also make loyal pets for families. They need lots of exercise and are prone to boredom if not properly stimulated, so they thrive in homes with plenty of time and space to play and play.
Before you adopt a German Shepherd, talk to local vets for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians are in close contact with a variety of pet care providers, including shelters and private owners, so they'll have a an idea of the most reputable breeders in your area. Ask deutscher schäferhund welpen kaufen about any genetic conditions that are common to the breed. It is important to inquire about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
In New York there are several top-tier hospitals that have staff members who are trained to work with German Shepherds. They include Veterinary Medical Center on Long Island, West Islip, and BluePearl Pet Hospital, Queens. These facilities have state-of-the-art equipment and their staff is trained to treat a variety and ailments that are common to this breed.
It is also worth getting in touch with local German Shepherd breed clubs. These groups usually have lists of breeders with good reputations and can point you in the right direction. You can also inquire if the breeder's parents have been tested for genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a common issue for German Shepherds. The hip joint does not fit together perfectly. This could lead later on to arthritis that is painful. A good breeder should x-ray their dogs and select those with healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is also a common problem for the breed, and a good breeder must have both parents tested for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and 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 evidence of health tests for both parents. This is a red flag that the breeder may not follow strict breeding practices. It's also not healthy for puppies to travel across long distances. This can cause stress and can cause respiratory problems.
Find a breeder who is specialized.
German Shepherds are famous for their herding instincts and love of training which makes them excellent work dogs. They are also good guard dogs and are known for their devotion to family members. This protection can become aggressive if a dog is not properly socialized and trained in its early years. The breed is active and require lots of exercise to stop them from becoming bored, which can lead to behavioural problems like barking or chewing the furniture. This is why it's important to find a dog that is suitable for your lifestyle and home environment.
If you are looking to find an German Shepherd puppy, consider asking local veterinarians for suggestions from breeders who are ethical. Veterinarians are in close contact with a wide range of animal care-givers, including breeders, shelters, and owners on their own They are in the best position to give advice on where to find the best German Shepherds.
Choose a breeder that keeps a close relationship with their breeding stock and is in open communication with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions regarding health tests as well as early socialization and the environment in which their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder should also offer a health certificate to each puppy sold, describing the genetic history of the pup. This includes hereditary diseases that are that are common to the breed, such as megaesophagus and exocrine-pancreatic insufficiency. You will also receive a an inventory of recommended vaccines and medicines that you should take to lower the chance of contracting disease.
Like all dogs, it is crucial to schedule regular veterinary exams for your German Shepherd. This will enable your veterinarian to detect potential issues before they become serious, and will help avoid problems like skin conditions, bloat and heart disease. It is important to use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and perform an X-ray of the chest during routine checks.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment and can live for 10-12 years if given proper treatment. Before you purchase one, ensure that you can afford it financially and have the time to devote to it. You should also consider whether you have the space needed to house a large dog, and be prepared for the extra cost of grooming, food, toys, equipment, and crates.
Be Prepared to Devote Time to early training
German Shepherds are dogs who work with a protective instinct and a natural urge to herd. They also tend to be fairly fearless - this is why they are excellent police and military dogs. These characteristics can be problematic for a family dog. If they are afraid, they may attack cars or bark at people. They can also bite.
Choosing a puppy with the right temperament can assist you in tackling these issues. You will still need to put in the time and effort in early training. This includes house training and addressing food aversion (GSDs typically guard their food).
Your German Shepherd needs to get lots of exercise to be well-trained. This could include long hikes, jogs and runs as well as fetch games. They also require mental stimulation with games that require a nose and puzzle games. They are also heavy shedders and require to be groomed regularly.
A good place to start when looking for a responsible breeder is talking to local veterinarians. They have a lot of animals and are able to provide suggestions for ethical breeders and dog trainers. You can also inquire with pet store owners and local German Shepherd owners.
If you are considering buying a GSD, make sure that the breeder has health guarantees. This will help you in case of serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye conditions hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
There are other methods to get an German Shepherd if you cannot find a reputable dog breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centers often have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues may be found on the internet. If you decide to adopt one of the GSD from a rescue center, be sure to learn as much as possible about the history of the dog before you 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 might have faced. GSDs are intelligent dogs and will respond well to training if they have had proper socialization in their early years.