Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is an enormous commitment. It's important to research reputable breeders before making a purchase.
Find out if the parents of the litter have been certified free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction as well as enlarged hearts and Von Willebrand disease.
Ask about the breeder's return policy. Breeders with good reputations are willing to return their dogs if they do not meet your needs.
Find a Reputable breeder
The last thing you want to do is buy a German Shepherd from an unreliable breeder. It is a large breed dog that requires adequate living space, as well as plenty of exercise, training, and excitement to remain happy and healthy.
Find a breeder who is transparent in its practices and lets you observe the place where the puppies are kept. Most reliable breeders provide live webcams social media pages, or websites that allow you to observe the conditions of their homes. Be sure to look for clean bedding, a clean and absorbent floor that does not allow the puppies to walk around and lay in their poop and clean areas.
A good breeder will explain the genetic diseases associated with this breed and the tests they are conducted for. This includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must inform you of the genetic diseases they test for and how often they test.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet stores or markets. They will only offer their puppies to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. If you find a breeder selling their puppies in these places, be very wary. This is against the law in many states and it 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 can be devastating for the breed and their future progenitors. This is a squander of money. The puppies you buy are more likely to have health issues, and may not have the temperament you would like for your new pet.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack dogs who are awestruck by the activity. They are excellent dogs for families and are extremely loyal to their owners. They may be cautious of strangers and exhibit aggressive behavior if they believe their owner is threatened or endangered. Training in obedience early will help to ensure your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
Some health conditions are more common among German Shepherds in particular breeds. Breeders responsible for their breeding should conduct the required health tests to prevent the spread of diseases. Breeders should be transparent with the results of the tests and be able to address any questions regarding the health of the puppies.
German Shepherds are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia as well as spinal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. Inbreeding was responsible for these problems during the early days of the breed, however responsible breeders are now working to limit their incidence.
Another issue that can occur in German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma which is a cancer of blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is usually found in the spleen and heart and can cause various symptoms, including anemia as well as weight loss, bleeding, and breathing difficulties.
As with all breeds, it's important to provide your German Shepherd with the right diet and exercise. A balanced diet can reduce the risk of hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as Von Willebrand's disease. Also, it is best to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or bones from animals, which could cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Verify the health of the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy and a body that is proportionate. It should be playful, active, and able engage in age-appropriate activity like play and short bursts exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a satiating appetite and continue to gain in weight. It should also have a strong stool that shows the proper digestion and intake of nutrients.
Be aware of how they interact with their littermates as well as other dogs and humans, including adults. They should be playful and curious but not threatening or scared. A reputable breeder must provide documentation of temperament tests for puppies and parents.
When observing the puppies, pay special attention to their ears. They should be upright when they aren't in use and should be free of discharge or hair loss. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies have been vaccinated, dewormed, and treated according to veterinary recommendations.
These large, double-coated dogs are available in various colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, or white and tan but can also be gray or liver. Their outer coats shed throughout the year round and require regular brushing.
Although German Shepherds are generally healthy, they may be susceptible to ailments such as hip or elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. A good quality dog diet and regular exercise can decrease the chance of developing these conditions.
Also make sure that the puppies are socialized properly from a young age. This will allow them to become calm and confident with other pets and people particularly if they've grown up with each other. If you have other pets such as cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. If they are not properly introduced to other pets at a young stage German Shepherds could become aggressive.
Check the Veterinarian's Recommendations
Veterinarians are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Consult a few vets in your area for recommendations, and consider asking pet groomers, trainers and other dog-related businesses. It is recommended that you get to know German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to talk with people who are familiar with the breed.
The purchase of a puppy is a long-term commitment, and it should never be a decision made on a whim. It is important to take into account the cost of food and grooming along with training and veterinary costs. Make sure you have a budget before you start shopping around for the right pup.
Related Home Page are lively and require a lot of exercise to keep them occupied. Otherwise, they may develop behavioral problems, like excessive barking or chewing furniture, which can be frustrating for their owners. Training in obedience, exercise, and a routine for the day will aid in calming the energy of this intelligent dog.
Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherds are prone to health conditions like elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia. They are also at risk of developing spinal diseases like hemangiosarcoma or degenerative myelopathy. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their pups for these and other conditions, and have made great progress in eliminating genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
You should make an appointment with your veterinarian prior to when you bring home a German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new pet is healthy and ready to be a part of your family. You should also discuss a training plan and ways to help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Verify the reputation of the breeder
It is best to locate a breeder who shares your top criteria for a German Shepherd. Ask for a referral even if they don't currently have a litter, or offer the breed of dog you are seeking.
After you've found a breeder who matches your criteria, it's time to start checking the breeder's reputation. You can find reviews and comments on their website or on social media from other families that purchased their pups as well as from veterinarians and dog trainers.
Verify if the parents have been certified by AKC or OFA. If they do not have certifications it could be an indication that the breeder does not consider health a priority or is not ethical.
Look for a breeding history of grandparents and parents as well. This will assist you in determining the likelihood that your puppy will be affected by genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy. It is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
Many breeders who are reputable will be willing to share their records with prospective buyers. They'll also have the breed history available for you to look over. Some breeders may ask you to complete a questionnaire that includes questions regarding your lifestyle as well as your home environment. This is to ensure that your puppy is happy in your care.
In general German Shepherds are at ease with other dogs and pets. However, they can become more territorial as they age. It is essential to make sure that your German Shepherds are socialized at a young age. They can also bite when they're teething so be ready and know that this isn't an sign of aggression. They naturally protect their family members and will bark to alert you when someone comes near the home.