Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
The purchase of a German Shepherd is a significant commitment emotionally and financially. Doing your research in advance will make sure you don't make costly errors.
Ask local veterinarians to get recommendations for ethical breeders. Also, make sure you and your family are committed to regular walks or playtime as well as other physical activities. German Shepherds require exercise to avoid boredom and frustration which can result in chewing of furniture and shoes.
Find a Reputable Breeder
When selecting a breeder you'll want to find one who is trustworthy and knowledgeable. They'll be honest about their breeding practices and will be willing to share pedigrees. They'll also be careful to avoid breeding puppies with genetic disorders.
You can find reliable breeders by asking your local veterinarian for recommendations, or looking through the websites of dog clubs and events. They usually have a facility in which they take care of their dogs. They also will offer training classes for an additional cost. This is a great way to socialize your puppy and get started on basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder that breeds for temperament and health rather than looks or coat color. A reliable breeder will follow strict breeding standards and screen for genetic diseases that are common to the German Shepherd Dog. They also verify their puppies' health with orthopedic and DNA tests.
Red flags include breeders who do not offer preventive services, like deworming and vaccines or who claim that their supplements are superior to those offered by your vet. Be cautious of breeders who ask you to sign contracts that include conditions you don't like.
Breeders who are able to raise puppies as a profession are a lot of responsibility. They have many people who depend on them to provide quality puppies. Breeders who fail to follow high-quality standards can negatively impact the entire breed.
If you choose a backyard breeder, you could end up with a dog that is unwell and unstable in behavior. The dogs are frequently seen on message boards or in online forums, asking for assistance in resolving the numerous health and temperament problems they face. A breeder who is not a good one or who is breeding in their backyard has little understanding of what makes the German Shepherd Dog special. They usually are trying to make a profit and not produce healthy pups. A reputable breeder will train their dogs in a variety of venues in addition to basic obedience. They'll train and name their dogs in Schutzhund or other events of performance.
Consult with local veterinarians
German Shepherds are smart, active dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. They were 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 can be susceptible to boredom if they aren't appropriately stimulated, and they are happiest in homes that provide plenty of time and space to play and run around.
Before you adopt a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations on ethical breeders. Veterinarians work closely with many pet care givers, including shelters and private owners So they'll have an idea of the most reputable breeders in your region. Ask them about any genetic disorders that are common to the breed. This includes degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, among other conditions.
If you live in New York, there are numerous top-of-the-line animal hospitals with staffs that specialize in working with German Shepherds, like Veterinary Medical Center of Long Island in West Islip and BluePearl Pet Hospital in Queens. These facilities have state-of-the-art facilities and their staffs are equipped to deal with a wide range of conditions and illnesses that are common for this breed.
You can also contact local German Shepherd clubs. They typically have lists of breeders with good reputations and can direct you in the right direction. You can also inquire if the breeder's parents have been tested for genetic disorders.
A common problem for German Shepherds is hip dysplasia, where the hip joint isn't fitting together perfectly. This could lead later on to pain-inducing arthritis. Breeders should scan dogs for x-rays and only select dogs who have healthy hips for breeding. Heart disease is another issue that plagues the breed. A good breeder will screen both parents for dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) and Valvular Heart Disease, as well as heart murmurs.
You should never purchase a German Shepherd from a breeder who is unable to prove that they have passed health tests for both parents. This is a red flag that the breeder might not follow strict breeding practices. It's also not healthy for puppies to travel across long distances. This can lead to stress and respiratory issues.
Find a Breeder with Specialized Expertise
German Shepherds are famous for their herding instincts and enthusiasm for learning, which make them excellent working dogs. They are also excellent guard dogs and are well-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 energetic and need plenty of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored, which can cause behavioural issues such as chewing furniture or barking. It is essential to select the right dog for your lifestyle and surroundings.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if you're looking for a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians are in a superior position to provide advice on where to buy quality German Shepherds due to their are in close contact with a variety of animal care-givers including breeders, shelters and private owners.
Find a breeder who has a good relationship with their breeding stock and is open to communication with potential buyers. A responsible breeder is willing to answer questions about health testing, early socialization and the environment where their puppies are being raised.
A reputable breeder will offer health certificates for every puppy they sell, describing the genetic history of the puppy. This includes hereditary diseases that are common to the breed, such as degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. schäferhundwelpen will also give you an overview of recommended vaccinations and medicines for the puppy, which you should adhere to in order to reduce the chance of contracting disease.
It is important that your German Shepherd receives regular veterinary examinations. This will enable your veterinarian to detect possible issues before they become more serious and can help prevent problems like bloat, skin conditions, and heart disease. Since the breed is predisposed to heart problems, it is particularly important to listen to your heart with a stethoscope, and take an X-ray of the chest during routine examinations.
German Shepherds can live for up to 12 years if they receive the proper care. Make sure you have the money to purchase one and that you have the time. You should also think about whether you have enough space to accommodate a large dog. Be prepared to spend more on food and grooming equipment.
Early training requires time.
German Shepherds are herding breeds with an inherent desire to work as well as an instinct to protect. They also tend to be quite frightened - which is why they are excellent police and military dogs. However, these traits can be problematic for the home of a dog. For instance, they could lunge at cars or even bark at people when they are afraid. They can also be prone to bite.
You can tackle these issues by choosing a puppy with the appropriate temperament. It is still necessary to put in the time and effort in early training. This includes housetraining and dealing with food aggression (GSDs guard their food).
Your German Shepherd should be active to be well-trained. This can include long walks or hikes, jogs and runs, and games of fetch. They will also need mental stimulation by playing with toys for puzzles and nose work games. They are also heavy shedders and need to be groomed regularly.
Talking with your local veterinarians is a good place to begin when searching for an ethical breeder. They are well-versed with a variety of animals and are able to recommend ethical breeders and dog training. You can also speak to pet store owners or other German Shepherd owners in your local area.
If you decide to buy a GSD make sure you choose a breeder who offers health assurances. This will help you avoid serious genetic disorders. These include hereditary eye disorders, hip dysplasias, von Willebrand disease, and EPI.
There are other options to obtain an German Shepherd if you cannot find a trustworthy breeder. Animal shelters and rescue centers usually have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can often be found on the internet. If you are going to adopt a GSD from a rescue center make sure you know as much as you can about the background of the dog before you bring them home. This will help you determine if the dog can fit into your lifestyle. Find out about any health or behavioral issues the dog might have experienced. GSDs are smart dogs and will respond well to training if they have had proper socialization during their puppyhood.