Should You Buy a German Shepherd?
A German Shepherd is a costly and emotional purchase. You can avoid making mistakes that could cost you time and money by doing your research before you buy.
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 on furniture and shoes.
Find a trusted breeder
When choosing a breeder, you'll want to select one who is trustworthy and knowledgeable. They will be transparent regarding their breeding practices and willing to provide pedigrees. They'll also be cautious not to breed puppies with genetic diseases.
Ask your veterinarian for recommendations, or check the websites of dog clubs or performance events. Breeders usually have a facility where they raise their dogs, and offer training classes at an additional cost. This is a great way to socialize your pup and begin basic obedience training.
Look for a breeder who breeds for health and temperament instead of looks or coat color. A reputable breeder adheres to strict standards of breeding, and tests for genetic diseases that are common to German Shepherd dogs. They will also confirm the health of their puppies by tests for DNA and orthopedics.
Some red flags to look for are a breeder who doesn't do regular preventive measures like deworming or vaccines, or who insists that their supplements are better than those sold by your veterinarian. Be cautious of breeders who ask you to sign contracts with terms you don't agree with.
It's important to understand that breeders who raise puppies for a living have a huge responsibility. Many people rely on them for quality puppies. Breeders who do not adhere to high 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 unstable in behavior. These dogs are often found on message boards or in online forums, seeking assistance to address the numerous issues with their temperament and health they suffer from. A backyard breeder who is mediocre has little knowledge of what makes the German Shepherd Dog great. They're usually seeking to make money and not create healthy pups. A reputable breeder will work their dogs in meaningful venues in addition to basic obedience. They will train and name their dogs in Schutzhund and other events of performance.
Speak to Local Veterinarians
German Shepherds are active, intelligent dogs who develop strong bonds with their owners. They are herding dogs that often are used as service dogs for police or the military, but they are wonderful pets for families. They are susceptible to boredom and require plenty of stimulation. They thrive in homes that have plenty of time and space to play.
Before you get a German Shepherd, talk to local veterinarians for recommendations regarding ethical breeders. Veterinarians have many contacts with pet care providers like shelters and private owners. They can recommend the best breeders in your community. Ask them about any genetic diseases that are common to the breed. You should inquire about genetic diseases that are common to the breed.
If you live in New York, there are several top-of-the-line animal clinics with staffs that are specialized in working with German Shepherds, such as 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 their staff are trained to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions that are common to the German Shepherd breed.
You should also look into contact with local German Shepherd breed clubs. They usually have lists of reputable breeders and can direct you in the right direction. You can also inquire whether the parents of the breeder have been tested for genetic diseases.
Hip dysplasia is a typical issue in German Shepherds. The hip joint doesn't fit together perfectly. This can cause painful arthritis later in life. Breeders should x-ray dogs and only use 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) as well as Valvular Heart Disease and heart murmurs.
You should never buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder who doesn't have evidence of health tests for both parents. This is a red flag that the breeder might not follow strict breeding practices. It's also not healthy to ship puppies across long distances. This can lead to stress and could cause respiratory problems.
Find a Breeder with Specialized Knowledge
German Shepherds are renowned for their herding instinct and love of training, which makes them excellent working dogs. They are also great guard dogs, and are known for their loyalty towards family members. However, this protectiveness could turn violent when the dog isn't properly trained and socialized in its earliest years. The breed is energetic and requires plenty of exercise in order to avoid becoming bored. This can cause issues with behavior like chewing furniture or barking. It is crucial to select the right dog for your lifestyle and surroundings.
Ask your veterinarians in your area about ethical breeders if looking for a German Shepherd pup. Veterinarians collaborate with a variety of animal care-givers, including breeders, shelters, and private owners They are in the best position to offer guidance on where to locate the best German Shepherds.
Look for a breeder that has good relations with their breeding stock and is willing to communicate with prospective buyers. A responsible breeder will be able to answer questions regarding health tests as well as early socialization of their puppies. the environment where their puppies are raised.
A reputable breeder will offer health certificates for every puppy they sell, describing the genetic history of the puppy. This includes hereditary disorders that are that are common to the breed, like degenerative myelopathy megaesophagus, as well as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Süßer Deutscher Schäferhund will also provide you with a the recommended vaccinations and medicines for the puppy, which you should adhere to in order to reduce the chance of contracting disease.
As with all dogs it is crucial to schedule regular veterinary examinations for your German Shepherd. This will enable your veterinarian to spot any potential issues before they become serious and can help prevent problems like bloat, skin conditions and heart diseases. As the breed is prone to heart issues, it is particularly important to listen to the heart with a stethoscope as well as take an X-ray of the chest during routine exams.
German Shepherds are a huge commitment and can live up to 10-12 years with proper care. Before you buy one, make sure that you can afford it financially and have the time to devote to it. Also, consider whether you have enough space to house an enormous dog. Be prepared to pay extra for food, toys and grooming equipment.
Training early requires time.
German Shepherds are working dogs that have the ability to protect themselves and a natural desire to herd. They are also extremely fearless which is why they make great military and police dogs. These traits can be a problem for a pet that is family. For instance, they could be aggressive towards cars or even bark at people when they feel threatened. They also have a tendency to bite.
Picking a puppy that has the right temperament can help you address these issues. It is still necessary to devote time and effort during the early stages of training. This includes house training and dealing with food aggression (GSDs tend to keep their food in a safe place).
Your German Shepherd must be active to stay well-trained. This could mean long hikes, joggs or runs as well as fetch games. Puzzle toys and nose-work games will help stimulate their minds. Additionally, they are heavy shedders and must be groomed regularly.
Talking with your local veterinarians is an excellent place to start when searching for an ethical breeder. They see a lot of animals and are able to provide suggestions for ethical breeders as well as dog trainers. You can also inquire with pet store owners and other local German Shepherd owners.
If you decide to purchase a GSD, look for breeders that offer health assurances. This will protect you from serious genetic diseases. These include hereditary eye diseases hip dysplasia, hip dysplasia, von Willebrand disease, and EPI (Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency).
If you are unable to find a reliable breeder there are other options to acquire an German Shepherd. Animal shelters and rescue centres usually have German Shepherds and breed-specific rescues can sometimes be found online. If you plan to adopt a GSD through a rescue center, make sure you learn as much about the pup's background as you can before you bring them home. This will help you determine if the dog can be a good fit for your lifestyle. Also, make sure to ask about any health or behavioral issues the dog has experienced. GSDs are intelligent dogs that will respond well to proper training if they've been properly socialized from the time they were puppies.