Buy a German Shepherd Puppy From a Reputable Breeder
A German Shepherd puppy purchase is a significant commitment. It is important to find the best breeders before making a purchase.
Find out if the parents of the litter have been confirmed to be free of degenerative myelopathy, megaesophagus and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as well as heart enlargement and Von Willebrand disease.
Ask about the breeder’s return policy. Reputable breeders are willing to return their dogs if they don't fit into your lifestyle.
Find a Reputable breeder
The last thing you'd want to do is buy the German Shepherd dog from a breeder who is not reliable. This is a large-breed dog that requires lots of space and also a lot of adventure, training, and exercise.
Choose a breeder that is transparent in its practices and allows you to observe where the puppies are residing. Most reliable breeders have websites and social media pages or live webcams that allow you view the conditions of their homes. Look for sanitary bedding, a spongy footing that does not allow the puppies to walk or lay in their own poop, and clean areas.
A good breeder will explain the genetic diseases common to this type and what they are tested for. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich includes hip dysplasia elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy Von Willebrand Disease, and more. The breeder should be able to inform you about the genetic disease tests they are conducting and how often.
A reputable breeder will not sell their puppies to pet shops or markets. They will only offer their puppies to responsible owners who can take care of the puppy. If you see a breeder selling their puppies in these places be cautious. This is against the laws in a majority of states, and suggests that the breeder doesn't consider their responsibilities seriously or does not have a desire to improve the genetic health of the breed they are breeding. This could be devastating for the breed and its future descendants. This is a waste of money. The puppies you purchase are more likely to have health problems and may not exhibit the temperament you would like in your new dog.
Visit the Litter
German Shepherds are extremely intelligent and pack animals that love to be active. They make great family dogs and are very devoted to their owners. They can become very preoccupied with strangers and exhibit aggressive behavior if they feel their owner is being threatened or endangered. Training in obedience early is crucial to ensure that your dog does not behave inappropriately.
As with all breeds, certain health issues are more common in certain German Shepherds than others. Breeders who are responsible for the health of their dogs should conduct the necessary health checks to avoid the spread of diseases. Breeders should be transparent with the results of the tests and be able to answer any questions regarding the health of their puppies.
A few of the most frequent health issues that can affect German Shepherds include elbow and hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and spinal stenosis. These issues were a result of inbreeding that occurred when the breed was in its early years, but today, responsible breeders are working hard to decrease the incidence of these conditions.
Another issue that may occur with German Shepherds is hemangiosarcoma, which is a type of cancer that affects the blood vessels in the lungs and other organs. It usually occurs in the spleen and heart and can trigger various symptoms, including anemia, weight loss, bleeding, and difficulty breathing.
Like all breeds, it is crucial to provide your German Shepherd the right nutrition and exercise. A balanced diet can decrease the risk of developing hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia as well as Von Willebrand's disease. Avoid feeding your German Shepherd animal bones or table food, as it could cause stomach upset.
Verify the health of the Dogs
A German Shepherd puppy should have an ideal body proportioned to its size, a dense coat and healthy eyes. deutscher schäferhund kaufen österreich should be active and playful, and able engage in appropriate activities for its age such as play and brief bursts of exercise.
A healthy German Shepherd should be able to eat well and maintain a steady weight gain. It must also have a sturdier stool that shows the proper digestion and intake of nutrients.
Be aware of how they interact with their littermates and with other dogs as well as adults. They should be playful and curious, but not aggressive or fearful. A reputable breeder should provide documents of temperament tests for parents and puppies.
Pay close attention to the ears of the puppies when you are watching them. They should be upright when they aren't in use and be free of discharge or hairy patches. A reputable breeder will ensure that their puppies are vaccinated and dewormed as according to veterinary guidelines.
These large, double-coated dogs are available in various colors and patterns. They usually come in black and tan, or white and tan. They can also be liver or gray. Their outer coats shed throughout the year long and require regular brushing.
While German Shepherds are generally thought to be healthy, they are susceptible to certain diseases, such as knee or hip dysplasia, eye problems, and autoimmune diseases. A high-quality dog food and giving them regular exercise can help reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Also, ensure that the puppies are socialized properly from a young age. This will help them to become more relaxed and secure around people and animals particularly if they have been raised together. If you have pets of your own, such as cats, make sure to introduce them slowly. German Shepherds can become a bit bossy around other pets when they are not properly introduced at a young age.
Check with your veterinarian for suggestions
Veterinary professionals are an excellent source of information on ethical breeders. Talk to a couple of veterinarians in your region for recommendations, and consider asking groomers, trainers, and other businesses that deal with dogs. You should also meet German Shepherd owners in your area and attend dog shows to meet people who know the breed.
A puppy is a long-term commitment and it should never be done on a whim. You'll need to think about the costs of food, grooming, and training, as well as the potential cost of vet care and other unexpected costs. Before you start shopping for a puppy, make sure you have a budget.
Due to their herding instinct German Shepherds have lots of energy and require plenty to do to keep them happy and engaged. They may experience behavioral issues like excessive barking or chewing on furniture. This can be frustrating for pet owners. Training in obedience, exercise and a routine for daily life will help to reduce the energy of this intelligent breed.
German Shepherds, as well as other large breeds of dogs are prone to health issues like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. They are also susceptible to spinal disorders like degenerative myelopathy or hemangiosarcoma. Fortunately, responsible breeders test their pups for these and other diseases and have made significant progress in eliminating genetic diseases caused by inbreeding.
Before you take home the German Shepherd puppy, schedule your first appointment with a vet to ensure your new pet is healthy and ready to join your family. It is also important to discuss a plan for training and how you can help your puppy grow into a well-adjusted adult dog.
Check the reputation of the breeder
In the ideal scenario, you'll locate a breeder who meets your top requirements for a German Shepherd. You can ask for a recommendation if they don't currently have a litter, or offer the breed of dog you're seeking.
Once you've found a breeder who meets your qualifications, it's time to start checking the breeder's reputation. Check out reviews on their website and social media from other families that have purchased their pups and reviews from trainers and veterinarians.
You should also check whether the parents are certified by OFA or AKC. If they don't it could be a sign the breeder isn't ethical, or does not put health first.
You should also look at the breeding background of their parents and grandparents. This will help you determine the likelihood that your puppy will be affected by genetic diseases like degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive paralysis in the hind legs.
Many reputable breeders are willing to sharing these documents with prospective buyers and will have the history of their breed on hand for you to read. Some breeders may ask you to complete an online questionnaire that asks you questions about your lifestyle and your home environment. This is to ensure that your puppy will be content under your care.
In general German Shepherds are generally friendly to other dogs and pets. However, they may become territorial as they age. It is essential to socialise your German Shepherds at a young age. Additionally, they are known to bite when they're trying to teeth so be aware of this and be aware that it's not a sign of aggression. They are very protective of their family, and will bark if anyone gets close to your home.