Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
The purchase of a German Shepherd puppy is a significant commitment. Before you purchase a puppy, it's important to do some research on breeders who are reputable.
Find out if the litter's parents have been deemed free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction as well as heart enlargement and Von Willebrand disease.
Find out about the breeder's return policy. Reputable breeders will be willing to return their dogs if they don't fit in with your lifestyle.
Find a Breeder with a Good Reputation
The last thing you would prefer to do is purchase a German Shepherd dog from a breeder that isn't reliable. It is a large breed dog that requires a large living space and high levels of exercise, training, and excitement to remain happy and healthy.
Find a breeder who has transparent practices and lets you see where the puppies are kept. Most reputable breeders offer live webcams, social media pages or websites that allow you to observe the conditions of their homes. Make sure you choose sanitary bedding, absorbent footing that doesn't allow the puppies to walk and lay in their poop and clean areas.
A good breeder can explain the genetic diseases common to this type and the tests they are conducted for. This includes hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia as as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder should be able to tell you what genetic testing they are performing and how often.
A reputable breeder won't offer their puppies to pet stores or at markets. They will only sell them to a responsible owner who can care for the puppy appropriately. Be cautious if you encounter a breeder who sells puppies in these locations. It is illegal in a majority of states to do so. It also indicates that the breeder does not take their responsibility seriously or has little interest in advancing the genetics of the breed. This could be devastating for the breed and their future progenitors. This is a squander of money. The puppies you purchase will more likely have health problems and may not exhibit the personality you want for your new pet.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals that love to be active. They make excellent family dogs and are very committed to their owners. They may be suspicious of strangers and may exhibit aggressive behavior if they believe their owner is being threatened or endangered. Training in obedience early will help ensure that your dog isn't acting in a way that isn't inappropriate.
As with all breeds, some health conditions are more prevalent in certain German Shepherds than others. Responsible breeders should conduct necessary health tests to in preventing the spread of these diseases. Breeders should be honest about the results of the tests and be able to answer any questions regarding the health of their puppies.
Some of the more common health issues that be affecting German Shepherds are elbow and hip dysplasia degenerative myelopathy, and spinal stenosis. These issues resulted from inbreeding during the breed's infancy however, today responsible breeders are working hard to decrease the incidence of these conditions.
Another issue that may occur with German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a cancer of blood vessels in the lungs as well as other organs. It usually occurs in the spleen and heart and can trigger several symptoms like anemia, weight loss, bleeding, and difficulty breathing.
Like all breeds, it is crucial to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of developing hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, and also Von Willebrand's disease. Also, it is best to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or animal bones, as they can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Check the health of your dog's health.
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy, as well as an body that is proportionate. It should also be active, playful, and able to engage in age-appropriate activities such as playing and short bursts of exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a strong appetite and be able to maintain a steady increase in weight. It must also have a sturdier stool that indicates an adequate digestion and intake of nutrients.
Observe how they interact with other dogs and littermates including adults. They should be curious and playful but not aggressive or fearful. A reputable breeder must provide documentation of temperament tests for puppies and parents.
Pay close attention to the ears of the puppies when observing them. They should stand erect when not occupied and be free of any bleeding or hair loss. A reputable breeder will also ensure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and vaccinated as according to veterinary guidelines.
original site , double-coated dogs come in many colors and patterns. They are usually black and tan, or white and tan but may also be liver or gray. Their outer coats shed throughout the year and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds tend to be healthy, they can be susceptible to certain diseases like hip or knee dysplasia eye issues, hip or knee dysplasia, and autoimmune diseases. A high-quality dog diet and regular exercise can decrease the risk of developing these diseases.
Additionally, make sure the puppies have been properly socialised at an early age. This will help them to be more calm and confident with animals and people particularly if they have a history of growing up together. Introduce your pets slowly, especially when you have cats. If they aren't properly introduced to other pets at a young stage German Shepherds could become aggressive.
Check the Veterinarian's Recommendations
The veterinarians are a fantastic source of information about ethical breeders. Ask veterinary professionals for recommendations in your area. Also, ask pet groomers, dog trainers, and other dog-related businesses. You should also get to know German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to meet people who know the breed.
A puppy is a long-term commitment and should not be made on the spur of the moment. You will need to consider the cost of food, grooming and training, in addition to the possibility of costs for vet care and other unexpected expenses. Make sure you have a budget in place before you start shopping around for the right pup.
Because of their herding instinct, German Shepherds have lots of energy and need plenty of activities to keep them happy and engaged. They can develop behavioral issues such as excessive barking and chewing on furniture. This can be a source of frustration for owners. Exercise, obedience training, and a regular schedule can help calm the energy level of this intelligent dog.
German Shepherds, like many large breeds of dogs are prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. They are also at risk for 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 the 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.
Check the breeder's reputation
You should look for breeders that meet your top preferences in the case of a German Shepherd. You can ask for a recommendation if they don't currently have a litter or don't provide the type of dog you are seeking.
You can check the reputation of a breeder when you have found one who meets your requirements. You can find reviews and comments on their website or social media from other families who bought their pups as well as from dog trainers and veterinarians.
It is also important to determine if the parents have certifications from OFA or AKC. If they don't have certifications it could be a sign the breeder isn't ethical, or doesn't prioritize health over all else.
Check out a history of breeding of the parents and grandparents as well. This will help you determine the likelihood that your puppy will develop genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralysis in the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are willing to sharing these records with potential buyers and will have the history of their breed on hand for you to review. Others may have a questionnaire you can complete that asks questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure that the puppy is comfortable in your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally friendly to other dogs and animals. However, they can become more territorial as they age. It is essential to socialise your German Shepherds at a young age. Additionally, they are known to bite when they're trying to teeth so you should be aware of this and be aware that it's not a sign of aggression. They are naturally protective of their family and will bark to alert you if anyone is near the home.