Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a major commitment. Before making a purchase it's essential to conduct some research on reputable breeders.
Verify if the parents of the litter have been certified as free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus, exocrine insufficiency and Von Willebrand's disease.
Ask the breeder about their return policy. Reputable breeders are willing to return their dogs if they don't fit into your lifestyle.
Find a trusted breeder
The last thing you would like to do is purchase an German Shepherd dog from a breeder who is not reliable. It is a large breed dog that requires a lot of space and lots of training, adventure, and exercise.
Choose a breeder that is transparent in its practices and allows you to see where the puppies are housed. deutsche schäferhunde welpen kaufen österreich provide live webcams as well as social media pages or websites that allow you to see the living conditions. Be sure to look for clean areas, sanitary bedding and a poop-free footpad so that puppies don't wander around or lay in their poop.
A good breeder will describe the genetic diseases that are common to this type and what they are tested for. This includes hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and Von Willebrand Disease. The breeder should explain what genetic disease testing they are conducting and how often.
reinrassiger schäferhund will not sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only sell them to a responsible person who will take care of the puppy properly. If you find breeders selling their puppies on these sites be wary. It is illegal in many states to sell their puppies. It also indicates that the breeder doesn't consider their responsibility seriously or isn't interested in advancing the genetics of the breed. This can be devastating to the breed and its future descendants. This is a waste of money. The puppies you purchase will more likely have health issues and may not exhibit the personality you want for your new pet.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are intelligent pack animals who love to be active. They are great dogs for families and are extremely loyal to their owners. They can become very suspicious of strangers and may exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel their owner is threatened or endangered. Training in obedience early will help to ensure your dog isn't acting in a way that isn't inappropriate.
As with all breeds, certain health issues are more common in certain German Shepherds than others. Breeders responsible for their breeding should conduct the required health tests to prevent the spread of disease. Breeders must be open about the results of these tests and be in a position to answer any questions you might have about the puppies' health.
German Shepherds are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia as well as degenerative myelopathy and spinal stenosis. These issues were caused by inbreeding when the breed was in its early years, but today responsible breeders are working hard to reduce the frequency of these diseases.
Hemangiosarcoma is another issue that can affect German Shepherds. It is a cancerous growth of blood vessels in the lungs or other organs. It is most often located in the spleen or heart, and it can cause a variety of symptoms, such as bleeding, weakness, trouble breathing, weight loss, and anemia.
As with all breeds, it's important to ensure that you are providing your German Shepherd with the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can help reduce the risk of elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. It is also advisable to avoid feeding your German Shepherd table food or bones from animals, which could lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis.
Examine the health of your pet
A German Shepherd puppy must have a healthy coat and eyes as well as an body that is proportionate. It should be active, playful and engaged in appropriate activities for its age such as play and short intervals of exercise.
A healthy German shepherd should have a satiating appetite and continue to gain in weight. It should also have strong stool that indicates an adequate digestion and absorption of nutrients.
Observe the way they interact with their littermates and with other dogs and humans, including adults. They should be curious and playful, but not aggressive or afraid. A reputable breeder should offer the documentation of temperament tests for parents and puppies.
When watching the puppies, pay special attention to their ears. They should stand erect when they aren't in use, and they should be free of any discharge or hairy patches. A reputable breeder will make sure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed according to per veterinary recommendations.
These large dogs with double coats come in various colors and patterns. They typically come in black and tan, all-black, or white and tan but may also be gray, liver, or blue. Their outer coats shed throughout the year long and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally healthy, they may be susceptible to ailments like elbow or hip dysplasia, eye issues, and autoimmune disease. Having a high-quality dog food and giving them regular exercise can reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Also make sure that the puppies are socialized properly at a young age. This will help them to become more relaxed and secure around people and animals, especially if the two have a history of growing up together. Introduce your pets slowly, especially if you have cats. If they're not properly introduced to other pets when they are young German Shepherds could become a bit bossy.
Check the Veterinarian's Recommendations
The veterinarians are a fantastic source of information on ethical breeders. Ask your veterinarians for suggestions in your area. Also, you can ask pet groomers, dog trainers, and other dog-related businesses. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to become acquainted with German Shepherd owners and visit dog shows in your area to meet and speak with people who are familiar with the breed.
Getting a puppy is a long-term commitment and shouldn't be a decision made on a whim. It is important to take into account the costs of grooming and food and also the costs of training and vet care. Make sure you have a budget before you begin looking for the right pup.
Because of their herding instinct, German Shepherds have a lot of energy and have plenty of activities to keep them happy and engaged. In the event that they are not, they could have behavioral issues, such as excessive barking or chewing on furniture and furniture, which can be very frustrating for their owners. Training for obedience, exercise and a regular schedule can help calm the energy level of this intelligent dog.
Like many large breed dogs German Shepherds are also susceptible to health issues such as elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, and shoulder dysplasia. They are also susceptible to spinal diseases such as degenerative myelopathy and hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their puppies for these and other diseases and have made significant progress in removing genetic diseases that result from inbreeding.
When you are ready to bring home a German Shepherd puppy, schedule your first appointment with a vet to ensure that your new pet is healthy and is ready to be part of your family. You will also discuss a program for training and ways to help your puppy become well-adjusted and happy.
Verify the reputation of the breeder
In the ideal scenario, you'll find a breeder who has the same top qualities as you for a German Shepherd. If they do not have a litter on the ground right now or don't offer the type of puppy you're seeking Ask for a recommendation to another breeder that does.
Once you've found a breeder that is able to meet your requirements, it's time to start checking the breeder's reputation. Check out reviews on their website and social media from other families who have purchased their puppies and comments from veterinarians and trainers.
Find out if the parents are certified by AKC or OFA. If they do not have certification it could indicate that the breeder does not take health seriously or is unprofessional.
You should also look at the breeding history of their parents and grandparents. This will aid in determining the probability that your puppy will develop genetic diseases such as degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralysis that affects the hind legs.
A lot of reputable breeders will be willing to share their information with prospective buyers. They'll also have a history of the breed available for you to go over. There may be a questionnaire you can fill out that includes questions about your lifestyle and environment to ensure the puppy is comfortable in your care.
As a general rule, German Shepherds are affectionate towards pets and other dogs, but they can be territorial as they grow older therefore it's essential to socialize them from an early age. They also tend to bite when they're teething so be prepared and know that this is not an sign of aggression. They naturally protect their family and can bark to alert you if someone is in the vicinity of the home.