Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a serious commitment. It's important to research reliable breeders prior to purchasing your puppy.
Check to see if parents of the litter have been certified as free from degenerative myelopathy and megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask about the breeder’s return policy. Reputable breeders are willing to return their dogs if their dogs do not fit into your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable breeder
The last thing you'd like to do is purchase the German Shepherd dog from a breeder who is not reliable. This is a large-breed dog that needs a lot of space, and also plenty of adventure, training, and exercise.
Find a breeder who has transparent practices and lets you see where the puppies are housed. The majority of reputable breeders have websites, social media pages, or live webcams that allow you view the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean bedding, a clean and absorbent floor that does not allow the puppies to walk or lay in their poop and clean areas.
A good breeder can also describe the genetic diseases that are associated with this breed and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia as well as elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder must identify which genetic diseases they test for and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet stores or market. They will only offer them to a responsible owner who can take care of the puppy properly. Be very cautious if you find a breeder selling puppies at these places. This is a violation of law in most states, and 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 to the breed and its future descendants. It is also a waste of your money. The puppies you buy will be more likely to have a high risk of developing health issues and might not be the type of personality or the skills you want in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals that are awestruck by the activity. They are great dogs for families and are extremely loyal to their owners. They can be very cautious of strangers, and may display aggressive behavior when they feel they are in danger. Training in obedience early will help to ensure your dog doesn't behave in a manner that is inappropriate.
Certain health issues are more prevalent in German Shepherds with certain health issues. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the required health tests to avoid the spread of disease. Breeders should be transparent with the results of the tests and be able to address any questions about the health of their puppies.
Some of the more common health issues that can affect German Shepherds include hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and spinal stenosis. These problems were caused by inbreeding during the breed's infancy however, today responsible breeders are striving to lessen the frequency of these conditions.
Hemangiosarcoma is yet another condition that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth that occurs in blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It is typically located in the spleen or the heart, and can cause a variety symptoms, including bleeding, weakness, difficulty breathing, weight loss and anemia.
In the end, as with all breeds, it is crucial to ensure that you are providing your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can decrease the risk of elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and dysplasia as well as 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 or pancreatitis.
Examine the health of the dogs
A German Shepherd puppy must have eyes and coat that are healthy, as well as an appropriate body. It should also be active and playful and capable of engaging in activities that are appropriate for its age, such as play and short bursts of exercise.
belgischer schäferhund welpen kaufen österreich should have a large appetite and continue to gain in weight. It should also have a firm stool that shows proper digestion and nutrient intake.
Observe how they interact with other dogs and littermates including adults. They should be playful and curious, but not aggressive or afraid. A trustworthy breeder will provide you with the documentation of temperament tests for the puppies and parents.
Pay close attention to the ears of the puppies while you watch them. They should stand erect when not occupied and should be free of bleeding or bald patches. A reputable breeder will also ensure that their puppies are vaccinated, dewormed and vaccinated as per the veterinary recommendations.
These large, double coated dogs come in many colors and patterns. They are usually black and tan, or all-black or white and tan, but may also be liver, gray, or blue. Their outer coats shed throughout the year and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally thought to be healthy, they are susceptible to certain conditions like hip or knee dysplasia eye problems, hip dysplasia, as well as autoimmune diseases. A good quality dog diet and regular exercise can lower the chance of developing these conditions.
Also, ensure that the puppies are properly socialised from an early age. This will help them be more calm and confident with animals and people particularly if they have a history of growing up together. If you have pets of your own, such as cats, be sure to introduce them slowly. German Shepherds can be bossy with other pets if they have not been properly introduced to them at a young age.
Consult the Veterinarian's recommendations
Veterinarians are a great source of information about ethical breeders. Talk to a few vets in your area for recommendations, and think about 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.
A puppy is an investment that should not be rushed into. It is important to take into account the cost of food and grooming, as well as the costs of training and vet care. Make sure you have a budget before you begin looking for the perfect dog.
Because of their herding instinct German Shepherds have lots of energy and need plenty of things to do to keep them happy and engaged. Otherwise, they may have behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or chewing furniture and furniture, which can be very frustrating for their owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a daily routine will aid in calming the temperament of this intelligent dog.
German Shepherds, like other large breeds of dogs, are susceptible to health conditions such as hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia. They also are susceptible to spinal disorders like degenerative myelopathy or hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their pups for these and other ailments, and have made great advancements in removing genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
It is recommended to plan your first appointment with your vet before you bring home a German Shepherd pup to ensure that your new puppy will be healthy and ready to join your family. The vet will also go over a training program and how to help your puppy become a well-adjusted dog.
Check the Breeder's Reputation
In the ideal scenario, you'll find a breeder who shares your top criteria for a German Shepherd. Ask for a referral if they don't currently have a litter or provide the type of dog you're searching for.
You can look up the reputation of a breeder when you've found one that meets your requirements. Check for reviews on their website and on social media from other families that have purchased their puppies and reviews from trainers and veterinarians.
Verify if the parents have been certified by AKC or OFA. If they don't have certification, this could indicate that the breeder isn't ethical or doesn't prioritize health over all else.
It is also important to look into the breeding background of their parents and grandparents. This will aid in determining the probability that your puppy will develop genetic disorders like degenerative myelopathy, which is a progressive paralysis in the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders are open to sharing these information with prospective buyers and will have the breed's history on hand for you to review. Others may have an application form for you to complete, which will include questions about your lifestyle and home environment to ensure that the puppy is comfortable in your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally friendly towards other dogs and pets however, they can become territorial as they grow older so it's important to socialise them at an early age. They can also bite when they're teething so be prepared and know that this is not an indication of aggression. They are extremely protective of their family, and will bark at anyone who is near your home.